Dear Stroke Survivor/Caregiver/Family,
Recovery from stroke is slow, but there is recovery ahead. NJSAC believes that recovery from stroke can continue throughout a stroke survivor’s life, as long as the survivor continues to be an active participant in recovery, activities and social life. Every stroke is different and every stroke survivor recovers different things, in different amounts, in different lengths of time.
As the wife of a stroke survivor, and a registered nurse I have been working exclusively with stroke survivors and their families for the past five years. I have experienced first hand the failure of the system to provide assistance for optimal recovery and improved quality of life for stroke survivors. NJSAC has been established to bring together New Jersey stroke survivors and to provide further recovery and support for stroke survivors when medical coverage has ended.
In February 1998, I visited the only other stroke activity center in the United States: The Palm Springs Stroke Activity Center in California. It is funded by an endowment and private donations, and provides continued speech, physical and recreational therapy free of charge to stroke survivors. Open five days a week, the center provides free lunch, activities and therapy throughout the day. They have a theater in which stroke survivors perform, a beauty salon, and a Ham Radio Center, among other special services. Many stroke survivors are volunteers at the center. NJSAC is the second center of its kind, and is modeled after the Palm Springs Stroke Activity Center.
NJSAC is in the process of planning programs and services with Rutgers and William Paterson Universities. We are also establishing a membership list of NJ stroke survivors. To serve the needs of NJ stroke survivors, we need your input. We want to hear what is important to you and what you need. Please complete the Survey form and submit to NJSAC. This information will be used to plan future programs based on the responses we receive. Membership in NJSAC is free and you will receive our quarterly newsletter to keep you informed of NJSAC activities and programs.
We are the central registry of NJ stroke survivors. We will bring NJ stroke survivors together to network, help and support each other. Only those who have been touched by stroke know the unique problems and frustrations encountered by stroke survivors, caregivers, family and friends in continuing recovery and quality of life.
Sincerely,
Mary Jo
