STEP OUT WITH STROKE WARRIORS PROMOTES INDEPENDENCE AND OFFERS VITAL RESOURCES FOR STROKE & BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS
2nd Annual Family-Friendly Event Set for April 16
WAKE FOREST, NC, March 28, 2023 — Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is one of the most common causes of long-term disability but there is so much that can be done to support stroke survivors. BELIEVE – Stroke Recovery Foundation is hosting the 2nd annual Step Out with Stroke Warriors event with our featured sponsor, Steps for Recovery, designed to promote independence for stroke and brain injury survivors and provide resources to help them with recovery and improve quality of life. The free, family-friendly event will take place on April 16 from 11 am – 4 pm at E. Carroll Joyner Park, rain or shine, in Wake Forest with food, games, a DJ, health and wellness exhibitors and more!
“We created this event because we wanted to rally support for stroke and brain injury survivors,” said Michael Erwin, BELIEVE – Stroke Recovery Foundation Founder and Board Chair. “As a stroke survivor, I am proof that you can get your life back and I am passionate about ensuring other stroke and brain injury survivors have the tools they need to do so. That’s what this event is all about.”
Many organizations focus on educating people about stroke prevention – which is critical. One in four people can expect to have a stroke in their lifetime and for those who are fortunate enough to survive, recovery can be a challenge. That’s why Step Out with Stroke Warriors aims to shine a light on stroke recovery. Once stroke survivors leave the hospital, their journey to recovery is just beginning – and without the proper support and resources, it can be a challenging road.
“Getting back to a high quality of life is essential for survivors’ mental, physical and spiritual growth and stability,” explained Becca F., stroke warrior/survivor. “We really need to help bring awareness to the QOL after someone has a stroke. That is just as important as life-saving measures.”
Though recovery after a stroke is different for everyone, having a stroke or brain injury can significantly impact cognition, communication and mobility. Suffering from depression after a stroke becomes common. Getting out, becoming active and focusing on rehabilitation can be key elements in recovery. Step Out with Stroke Warriors will gather stroke and brain injury survivors along with their care partners, family and friends for a celebratory event to provide resources to aid in their rehabilitation. Therapists, hospital support groups, nonprofits/advocacy groups and exhibitors will be on-site to share their expertise and support – creating a community event dedicated to inspire stroke and brain injury survivors and their support networks.
“Because a stroke does not ‘just’ impact the person who has it, care partners will find opportunities to engage with others and obtain information about the importance of managing their self care along the stroke recovery journey,” exclaimed Abbe Simon, M.A., CCC-SLP, Integrative Health Coach at icommunicare and BELIEVE – Stroke Recovery Foundation Board Member.
Participating exhibitors at the event will provide resources about:
- Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
- Adaptive Sports
- Health and Wellness Services
- Counseling Services
- Art, Music and Creative Experiences
- Home Care Services
- Respite Care for Care Partners
- Home Modification and Design Services.
BELIEVE – Stroke Recovery Foundation is grateful to the generous corporate and individual sponsors who have already stepped up to support stroke and brain injury survivors through this event, including: Steps for Recovery; DynaSplint Systems, Inc.; Limbionics Prosthetics & Orthotics; and Omnia Paratus Health Training.
Join us rain or shine on April 16 – in a wheelchair, with a cane, on your own two feet – and be part of this free community event. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Joyner Park Community Center. For more information, visit BelieveSRF.org/all-events/.
About BELIEVE – Stroke Recovery Foundation
BELIEVE – Stroke Recovery Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina that partners with local, vetted out-patient rehabilitation centers to provide additional physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and speech therapy (ST) and equipment to qualified stroke and brain injury survivors whose insurance coverage has run out and who would benefit from continued therapy. The result is a survivor who receives PT, OT or ST that he/she needs, without facing the financial burden of additional rehabilitation sessions. Learn more at BelieveSRF.org.
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