Attendees of Ontario’s second Stroke Survivor Congress, received the gifts of inspiration, insight and information to improve the journey for current and future stroke survivors.
Powerful topics for stroke survivors, accentuated by an incredible caliber of talented international, provincial and local speakers who were willing to share their expertise, were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of over 130 people. By all accounts the day was a resounding success.
“At CKHA, we seek to create new and enhanced opportunities to share knowledge with our patients, partners and larger health system. Today’s event exemplifies this in practice. I’m so proud of our committee’s use of another fun and engaging theme to provide meaningful information to improve the experiences of stroke survivors, families and their caregivers,” said Nancy Snobelen, Director of Partnerships and System Integration, CKHA.
Building on the legacy of the Stroke Garden Party, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) refreshed its approach to celebrating life after stroke. By inviting other organizations to become partners, this first of its kind congress for stroke survivors was realized. The event, hosted by CKHA in partnership with New Beginnings, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Stroke Recovery Association, recognizes that surviving a stroke is a significant life changing event. It requires super powers that provide enormous hope, bravery, strength, determination, help from others and celebration.
“New Beginnings is very pleased to be teaming up with Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to present a quality program in the 2nd Stroke Survivor Congress,” reflected Bob Rawlinson, Executive Director, New Beginnings, ABI and Stroke Recovery Association. “There are always new and developing strategies to help people recover from stroke and our speakers for the day are pleased to present them in Chatham-Kent. Stroke prevention is our future.”
The superheroes theme, was shaped by stroke survivors, their families and caregivers, for stroke survivors, families and caregivers to help them find their way on their post-stroke road of recovery. The focus on ‘Creating a Super You’ was highlighted as participants heard inspiring stories of how exercise, fitness, nutrition, information and socialization improves survival rates. Those present described the experience as informative, intriguing and uplifting.
The day also featured entertaining commentary by Guest Emcee, Peter “Superman” Martin, from Cogeco, and Denise “Lois Lane” Carpenter, Senior Coordinator, Community Services, March of Dimes Canada, a video on recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke “F.A.S.T.” (Face, Arm, Speech, TIME), the community resources website healthline.ca, door prizes and vendor displays.
The event was made possible through the organizations, the planning committee, Cogeco, local vendors and all the student volunteers. Through their generous support, the event was no charge and survivors literally came by the bus load.
“To truly celebrate and support the number of stroke survivors, it takes partnerships to live the message of celebration, hope and caring on an ongoing basis. We are fortunate to have exceptional services for stroke survivors in Chatham-Kent. We are truly a stroke-friendly community,” concluded Snobelen.
Local stroke survivor services, all of which are achieving excellent results, include: the District Stroke Centre, daily Secondary Prevention Clinics, acute stroke management including thrombolysis “clot-busting” treatment, an Integrated Stroke Unit, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Outpatient Transitional Stroke Program, Friends of Stroke Recovery, and Stroke Social Programs. More evidence for new protocols are on the horizon for rapid access to tertiary services such as endovascular treatment; and longer term cardiac monitoring for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
