News from the American Stroke Foundation

Stroke Walk 2018

More than 600 people arrived and thrived on a cloudy, drizzly Saturday morning September 8th, to support the stroke community and the American Stroke Foundation. If you personally know anyone that has had a stroke, you know that challenges and overcoming obstacles are part of each day. That's why it was important to "Keep Calm and Walk On" after encountering our own set of obstacles like having to find a new, less soggy, venue in a few hours and rescheduling tents, food, attendees, volunteers, vendors and countless other details associated with planning an outdoor event. If you attended this year, we thank you, if you missed it, we understand, if you would still like to donate, please click here.

As you can see by the pictures on the right, it was enjoyable and heartwarming to see so many people support Kansas City stroke survivors and their families. We met our goal of $70,000 and your support is vital to our work. We would especially like to thank Clover Leaf Office Park management for saving the day, our sponsors, vendors and volunteer brigade led by Kathy Parker, Stroke Walk Chair. For a complete list of sponsors, click here.

Mark your calendars now for Stroke Walk 2019 scheduled for sunny September 7, 2019.

"Stroke Care - Expand Your Knowledge"

A packed room, a talented cast, 4 star reviews and great food can only mean one thing - the American Stroke Foundation's first conference for Healthcare Professionals was a great success.

A special thanks goes to our wonderful speakers including: Michael Woodward, MPT; Kelli Knight, MOT, OTR/L; Rakesh Vardey, MD; Sandra Billinger, PT, PhD, FAHA; John Metzger, OD; Jane Henderson, MSW, MPA and the Stroke Survivor Panel, Caroline Hicks, David Claflin and James White; Shatonda S. Jones, PhD, CCC-L/SLP, CBIST and Danielle Malan, OTA/L, NASM-CPT, BCS.

Additional thanks goes to Lockton, Medtronic, Tallgrass Creek and Jeanette Boucher, OTR who produced the event. Stay tuned for Stroke Conference 2019 coming soon to a conference venue near you.

Meet Some Next Step Participants

The American Stroke Foundation Next Step Program is a wellness program to help people who have had a stroke continue to improve and regain independence in daily living skills.

Meet Allison

by Mady Priebe, OT student

Allison is an incredible and caring stroke survivor. She is originally from central Missouri. Allison was the first in her family to go to college and she attended Central Missouri State University for journalism. She feels her education had a huge impact on her abilities in life. When Allison's husband went to Raytown for a job, they moved there and raised their daughter and son together. Allison applied for jobs at various newspapers, but instead found work as a caseworker in family services. About two years ago, Allison was working as a director in an office where there was a large amount of stress and overwhelming deadlines. One night while she was watching TV the room started spinning and she began to have a terrible headache. Allison told her husband something was not right and they went to the hospital. She was initially misdiagnosed as having vertigo and continued to deal with intermittent symptoms for several weeks. One morning the medication she was given was unable to minimize her symptoms and she returned to the hospital where they decided it was likely a transient ischemic attack (TIA). While in the hospital she had a larger stroke, which she described as "the most horrible merry-go-round ride I could ever imagine". During Allison's recovery, her family surrounded her in love and support.

Allison feels she has found a huge support system through American Stroke Foundation (ASF) as well. She loves the camaraderie and acceptance of this community of survivors. She is very motivated to get stronger with the group. Allison daily strives to encourage and help other stroke survivors with her positive attitude. Outside of ASF, Allison enjoys baking, growing plants/flowers, and reading. After her stroke, Allison gained the perspective that everything happened to her for a reason and she is still trying to figure out what she is being called to do now. She feels she is more sympathetic to others with disabilities and that her priorities have changed allowing her to worry less about the little things. Allison believes that ASF has allowed her to have hope for progress and to see how blessed she is. Her greatest advice is to reduce stress, exercise, and enjoy life.

Meet Harold

by Annie Culver, OT student

Harold is a stroke survivor who has been with the American Stroke Foundation since March 2017. Harold graduated from Washburn University with a major in chemistry and minors in physics and math. He proceeded to work as an environmental scientist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Harold lives with his wife, Janice, who he met while delivering supplies to a hotel restaurant where Janice worked. Harold gleamed as he explained he saw a "cute girl" from afar and just had to go talk to her. They have been married for 53 years and have three children and five grandchildren whom they love to spend time with.

Prior to his stroke, Harold loved to garden and make his own wine. His favorite wine to make was Syrah, and his grapes were always hand pressed. Harold also has a deep appreciation for jazz and rhythm & blues. Among his favorite artists are Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Miles Davis with a special fondness of Miles's album "Kind of Blue." When Harold is not at the American Stroke Foundation, you can find him and Janice traveling to their favorite places. They frequent Las Vegas where they love to catch their favorite shows. Harold's favorite place to visit though, is Breckenridge, Colorado where he vividly describes the unmatched beauty of the landscape and vibrancy of the town.

Harold enjoys coming to the American Stroke Foundation and appreciates the camaraderie of all of the fellow stroke survivors. Harold acknowledges that his life along with the lives close to him have transformed since having a stroke. He explains the challenge of his role shift from being the primary caregiver to the one receiving care. He expresses great gratitude for his wife, Janice, who has become his primary caregiver. Harold demonstrates an exceptional attitude as he no longer sweats the small stuff and maintains focus on what is really important in life. Harold strives every day to make improvements and become as independent as possible.

Meet Todd

by Courtney Hendricks, OT student

Todd is an active participant at the American Stroke Foundation (ASF) in Mission, KS. There are several aspects of ASF that Todd enjoys. When asked to narrow his favorites down to three he stated, "I like creative conversations, working out, and the camaraderie!" Outside of the ASF, Todd loves to play the penny slots at the casino and enjoys shopping at Goodwill and Walgreens. In addition to his hobbies, Todd spends time with his support system. He attributes his core support group to his father Art, his father's girlfriend Jan, and his brother Scott. However, Todd mentioned that everyone he knew prior to his strokes have been supportive of him after his strokes as well. Todd explained that he's had two strokes and they've made him look as his life slightly different due to residual symptoms left after they occurred. After his first stroke, Todd's right side was affected. After his second, his speech was affected. ASF has changed his life view because he comes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It's undoubtedly clear that Todd has an upbeat outlook on life as he consistently had fellow participants laughing throughout his interview. When asked to offer a piece of advice he has learned in life he stated, "laughter is the best medicine!"

September 2018

Stroke Walk

Healthcare Professionals Conference

Meet Some Next Step Participants

Stroke Walk 2018 Pictures

Click here for more Stroke Walk pictures.

ASF Locations

Business Office

6405 Metcalf Ave, Ste. 214

Overland Park, KS 66202
913-649-1776

ASF Next Step Programs

913-649-1776

Sylvester Powell Jr.

Community Center

6200 Martway St
Mission, KS 66202
Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Blue Springs Family YMCA
1300 Adams Dairy Parkway
Blue Springs, MO 64014
Tuesday/Thursday

Cleaver Family YMCA

7000 Troost Avenue

Kansas City, MO 64131

Monday/Wednesday

Contact Us

American Stroke Foundation

913-649-1776

Jane Savidge

Executive Director

Dory Sabata

Program Director

Jeanette Boucher

Next Step Program Coordinator

Director of Marketing

Jane Henderson

Stroke Survivor Navigation Program Coordinator

Joan Kennedy

Next Step Program Coordinator

Dani Malan

Next Step Program Coordinator

Patrick Nelson

Mission Facility Coordinator

Mary DeVeau

Administrative Assistant

Amazon Smile

Don't forget that every time you shop on Amazon.com, use AmazonSmile. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price on all eligible items to the American Stroke Foundation when you choose ASF as your charitable organization! For more information, go to smile.amazon.com.

Donate a Vehicle

We can accept any vehicle, any condition! Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) processes all donations and provides tax receipts. The donation process is easy and completely free to donors. Call 1-800-269-6814 or click here to start the process online.

A Lasting Legacy

You can make sure the ongoing and future needs of individuals who have survived a stroke are met by including the American Stroke Foundation in your will or estate plans. This might include a bequest, life insurance policy, or trust arrangement. Consult your attorney or financial adviser on how you can make a planned gift.