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"United In Pursuit Of Living And Helping Others"
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Please add sls@strokelife.org to your contact list to ensure delivery of all Stroke Life Society Newsletters
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Stroke Life Society Brings Stroke Awareness to Our Communities.................
Stroke Life Society members reached out within our communities during May's Stroke Awareness Month at a number of venues. We took part in the 'Hurricane Sandy Relief & Resource Fair' at the Bellmore Knights of Columbus and also participated in "Stroke Awareness Day" events at both Plainview Hospital and Stony Brook University Hospital. Finally, as a "last hurrah" in May, the Bellerose Queens' stroke support group apprised hundreds of exiting churchgoers of stroke risk factors, symptoms and the need for immediate 911 action after each of six masses on the last weekend of the month at their monthly meeting center, St. Gregory-the-Great Church. |
Words Of Wisdom................
 Our Co-Founder, Ben Thomas, addressed Stony Brook's Annual Neuroscience Conference on May 2nd. The lone lay speaker of the day's seminar for 170 neurology specialists, doctors and nurses, Ben spoke not only as our co-founder but also as a stroke survivor. He gave a moving account of what it means to come to terms with this new life and the need for the medical profession to see itself through the eyes of stroke survivors. Only in this way could we evolve a seamless coordination between acute (hospital) care, rehab and support groups akin to Stroke Life Society.
Click here to read the full text of Ben's presentation.
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And More Words Of Wisdom................
 Stroke is the leading cause for Dysphasia which is paralysis of the throat muscles that causes difficulty swallowing. One of our cherished members - May Roberta Romey - traveled to Washington DC and shared her story on how dysphagia has affected and impacted her life. She met with members of the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders and spoke to the NIH Panel hoping to raise awareness for this disorder. It took a great deal of time and energy to make this trip - in one day!! Her strength, commitment and fortitude are commended!!
Click here to read more about May
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What A Catch!!................
 No, not the handsome guy on the left, but the winning pool fish in his hands!! (Although Enid would beg to differ on that!) Stroke Life Society's 3rd Group Fishing Trip out of Captree State Park in May was another fun-filled day! Stroke Life Society's Naval Division embarked on another frenzied fishing fiasco. This popular and now regular social event was again organized by survivor-member Capt. Dan, supported by his First Mate, Maryann. Once again the 35 intrepid sailors extended thanks to the brave crew of Jib VI who catered to their every need. Biggest appreciation of the day: birthday cakes brought by the ever-thoughtful Christine Nicoletto for our birthday boy - Will Noon. Stay tuned for our next trip to be scheduled sometime in late September of this year.
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Mark Your Calendar................
 On Monday, August 26th, we are planning a Golf Outing at the Dix Hills Country Club. Tee Time is 11:30am and Dinner will follow at the Pine Tree Inn in Huntington Station.
Click Here For Details |
Helping Others........................
Stroke Life Society, in our continued spirit of helping others, has partnered with other organizations at the LIVOAD Volunteer Recovery Center in Bethpage. Our Recycled Medical Equipment and Supply Program is successfully working with Disaster Case Managers from Catholic Charities, FEMA, Red Cross and other agencies to help provide many Sandy victims with health related items that were lost in the storm.
We are currently trying to accommodate the overwhelming need for air conditioners and air purifiers. Please consider donating any unwanted units you may have.
Email us at MedicalEquipment@strokelife.org.
Click here for more information about this program.
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Medicare Coverage........................
 With immediate effect, thanks to a Federal Court ruling, Medicare coverage is available for skilled maintenance services in the home health, nursing home and outpatient settings. In other words, beneficiaries with chronic conditions are not denied coverage for critical services because their underlying conditions will not improve. According to the Center for Medicare Advocacy, "Patients should discuss with their health care providers the Medicare maintenance standard and whether it is applicable to them. Health care providers should apply the maintenance standard and provide medically necessary nursing services or therapy services, or both, to patients who need them to maintain their function, or prevent or slow their decline." Under the maintenance standard articulated in the settlement, the important issue is whether the skilled services of a health care professional are needed, not whether the Medicare beneficiary will "improve." For further information, go to www.medicareadvocacy.org
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Inspiration.......................
 Puppies for Sale
~ Author Unknown
A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies For Sale." Signs like that have a way of attracting small children and sure enough, a little boy appeared by the store owner's sign. "How much are you going to sell the puppies for?" he asked. The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30-$50."
The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37," he said. "May I please look at them?" The store owner smiled and whistled, out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind.
Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What's wrong with that little dog?" The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited. "That is the little puppy that I want to buy." The store owner said, "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll just give him to you."
The little boy got quite upset. He looked into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger, and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for."
The store owner countered, "You really don't want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies."
To this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, "Well, I don't run so good myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!"
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Survivor Spotlight..................
Name: Will Noon
Age: 49
Lives in: Oceanside
Occupation: Custodian
Date of stroke: 3 strokes/ 2 heart attacks at age 6
Type of stroke: ICH (Intracerebral Hemorrhage) and 2 subsequent ischemic from head injury clots
Initial Deficits: Right sided paralysis; unable to talk
Improvements: Remarkable!
Co-Survivors: His loving Mom who's strength and unconditional "tough" love taught Will at age 6 to never give up and encouraged him to do what others said he couldn't. She has since passed but still watching over Will from above. Will also benefited from the love and attention of older siblings.
"Will To Live"
As a young child, Will suffered from a series of debilitating strokes and yet his weakness was met without intimidation,
his illness without surrender.
His lifelong recovery was inspired by the encouraging spirit of his unyielding mother who instilled within him the boiling desire to live strong and free beyond his physical limitations.
Blessed with uncommon grace and a will "tempered" by his family he wrestled with many challenges and losses to emerge spiritually unscathed as a true giver.
He has brought to our Stroke Life Society his quiet dignity and a gritty courage to prevail above all else.
The pleasure of his company with new friends and his willingness to "pitch in" to help others as he strives to improve himself underscores our core group purpose.
That the leaves of our minds gather to recognize the strong pulse in the lives of stroke survivors with the color to be shared with all.
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Hair Gets Lighter
Skin Gets Darker
Music Gets Louder
Nights Get Longer
Life Gets Better
This Summer!!
Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy Summer!!
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Featured Quote....
| "Don't confuse your path with your destination. Just because it's stormy now doesn't mean you are not headed towards sunshine."
~ Author Unknown
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Stroke Life Support Group Meeting Locations:
Nassau County:
Hicksville, NY Levittown, NY
New Hyde Park, NY Plainview, NY
Seaford, NY
Wantagh, NY
Suffolk County:
West Islip, NY
East Setauket, NY
Queens
Bellerose, NY
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Please note there will be NO Support Meetings for the summer months of July and August in
Hicksville
New Hyde Park
Plainview
Seaford
They will resume in September.
Click Here For Current Meeting Schedule
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Join us every Friday for our weekly stroll on the boardwalk.
11am at Jones Beach, Field 6
 | Don't forget your sunscreen!
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