On March 9, 2010, Richard Wilson from Prince Rupert had a stroke from a malformation of vessels on the left side of his brain and at that point, his life changed.
During his four years of recovery, the family has gone through the many emotions as he moves through his healing journey.
Richard says, “A program for stroke survivors is so crucial to have, we went through our struggles blind and we had so much to tell people and wanted to learn from others before us.”
Now, stroke survivors in Terrace have this new tool for help and hope: the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Living with Stroke™ program.
The program is designed to help stroke survivors and their families improve their quality of life, cope with challenges and connect with others.
“The Living with Stroke program is going to help others heal and move forward with their lives,” says Richard.
Led by volunteer facilitators and provided free in B.C. communities, the program is made up of eight weekly, two-hour sessions.
Weekly topics include impact of stroke, physical changes and keeping active; dealing with emotions and relationships; reducing future risk and nutrition.
Facilitator Pat Sloan says, “Having worked with stroke survivors in the communities of Terrace and Kitimat for the past 17 years, the need for this kind of group program has been very clear to me and others on the rehab team. There is so much that stroke survivors can learn from each other.”
All stroke survivors and their primary caregiver are welcome to join. Terrace Living with Stroke™ runs on Saturdays from February 21 – April 11 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Terrace Public Library
Registration is a must, please call 1-888-473-4636.
For more information on stroke resources and the program, please see www.heartandstroke.bc.ca/livingwithstroke.