Stroke Survivor's Message
Before I had my stroke, I knew nothing about them. Who they target, how a person can lower the risk of one… how therapy and a healthy lifestyle can help you regain what stroke took from you. I learned words I never heard before—words like ischemic, aphasia, caregiver. Ah yes, caregivers. The people who are by your side and the people who help YOU, the stroke survivor.
My caregiver is my wife, Denise. I remember how excited I was when she would come every evening to visit me in the hospital. I have twin boys who are now almost seven. They were barely two when I had my stroke. She brought them, too. It was so great to see them.
Which brings me to this website. I wish I had access to it when I had my “event.” I wish my wife had access. It is just what it says, a lifeline, a guide to help you navigate through rough waters. It helps you avoid those icebergs that are out there, and tells you what to do when you hit one. Don’t worry, we all do sometimes, but this book helps to minimize the damage of one.
Caregivers are the closest to a stroke survivor. They know their ups, they know their downs. This website is a good tool—like a dictionary—to help you in the aftermath of a stroke. It also helps you to avoid them as well. The operative word is help. We can all use it. RESCUE, Stroke Caregiving provides it.
- Mark McEwen
Television Personality, Stroke Survivor and Stroke Prevention Advocate
Mark's inspiring memoir, Change in the Weather: Life After Stroke,
describes his life before and after his stroke. His book also delivers a
message of hope to other stroke survivors and their caregivers.
