Four Local Orgs Come Together to Encourage Self-Independence on May 14
WAKE FOREST, NC, April 21, 2022 — Nearly one-third of the population can expect to have a stroke in their lifetime. For those who are fortunate enough to survive, recovery can be a challenge. That’s why four local organizations are joining forces to rally support for stroke and brain injury survivors at Step Out with Stroke Warriors, a family-friendly event 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 event will take place on May 14 from 11 am – 3 pm at the amphitheater at E. Carroll Joyner Park in Wake Forest with food, games, a DJ, health and wellness vendors and more!
“There is so much you learn throughout recovery that is critical in helping you regain your independence, but until you’ve been through it, you don’t know,” said Justine Knight, Executive Director of Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited (TAP). “We want to cut to the chase, provide tips for stroke warriors and show them what it’s like on the other side of this journey so that they know there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
May is Stroke Awareness Month and while educating people about stroke prevention is important, Step Out with Stroke Warriors hopes 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. Having a stroke or brain injury can significantly impact cognition, speech, use of language (aphasia) 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 aims to gather stroke and brain injury survivors along with their caregivers, family and friends for a celebratory event to share resources specifically to aid in their rehabilitation. Therapists, hospital support groups, nonprofits/advocacy groups and vendors will be on-site to share their expertise and support – creating a community event dedicated to lifting up stroke and brain injury survivors and their support networks.
“In our experience working with survivors of stroke and brain injury, we find that two big positive influences on recovery are passion and purpose,” explained Katie Stephens, PT, NCS, STEPS for Recovery. “When your life has been disrupted so dramatically, it can be difficult to know where to start in pursuit of a passion or purpose beyond just making it through the day and recovering basic functions. This event hopes to demonstrate that there are resources out there to help individuals move past this first phase of recovery, and to encourage engaging in enjoyable and meaningful activities to promote a full, passionate and purposeful life.”
Participating vendors 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
BELIEVE – Stroke Recovery Foundation, Creativeye Design, STEPS for Recovery and TAP – Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited are grateful to the generous corporate and individual sponsors who have already stepped up to support stroke and brain injury survivors through this event, including: Novant Health, Stalls Medical, Inc. / Adaptive Vans, Inc.; Cozart & Edwards, PA; Limbionics; Saebo, Inc.; Brisco Apparel Co, Inc. and Vivistim System by MicroTransponder, Inc.
Join us on May 14 – 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 rescheduled.
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.
About Creativeye Design
Creativeye Design is owned and operated by Chris Harrell and has been in business for over 20 years. Collectively, we have more than 35 years of experience in the graphic design industry. Our work has focused on developing communication materials for various school districts and universities, in addition to creating successful branding solutions for products and services for local businesses. For more information, visit CreativeyeDesign.com.
About STEPS for Recovery
STEPS for Recovery is a rehabilitation clinic that takes an individualized approach to physical, occupational and speech therapy, focused on helping each of our clients to achieve the life goals and roles that they desire. We pride ourselves on our specialty-trained, highly skilled therapists who are here to help patients get results and reach their life participation goals. While we are able to work with clients with most any diagnosis or issue, we currently specialize in three therapeutic programs: postural restoration, stroke/brain injury and spinal cord injury. Learn more at STEPSforRecovery.com.
About Triangle Aphasia Project (TAP)
Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited (TAP) is a nonprofit organization that serves people with aphasia, their families, and their communities throughout North Carolina. Group programs for individuals with aphasia cater to different hobbies and passions, creating an environment where those with aphasia are motivated to work towards improved communication skills. Customized trainings for families and professionals improve communication and comfort around those with aphasia. The result is restoration of hope, determination, purpose, and engagement. Learn more at aphasiaproject.org.
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