Cam Comton
Survivor, Member, and Host for the Handinhand Show
In March 2019 I will celebrate 7 yrs since my stroke. I have overcome many things, aphasia, foot drop, short term memory loss and I continue to work on me. I love working with stroke survivors. It is my passion and what keeps me going. I hope that I can give as much as they give to me. Strokefocus is a dream come true. I can do my podcast and give information in the Hand in Hand show but I can also share information and find information with this site. As a survivor, I have learned that the best resource is information shared among survivors and caregivers. We can help a lot by sharing information. I was involved in the design process. It is great to see my ideas are adopted by the team who implemented them very seriously. I hope you like what we have created as a team. Join us. Get involved!
Joyce Hoffman
Survivor and Member
I was a Sr. Trainer of Legal Technology at Cozen O’Connor in Philadelphia when my hemorrhagic stroke hit at 4 am. I was also a Professor of Composition and Communications for 25 years, all of that going away in one fell swoop when I had my stroke. Being involved in the Strokefocus project helped me further reclaim my self-respect and dignity that were lost somewhere in the stroke process. I learned through my own experience that the best help often comes from other survivors. As a participant of the project, I was involved in reviewing the design and many other functions. The team works hard to make sure the system is easy to use. We hope you like it. In addition, I write a blog now called, The Tales of a Stroke Patient and More, that offers relatable stories and much practical advice to the stroke as well as the TBI communities.
Melissa Burnard
Caregiver and Member
Surviving a brain injury, traumatic or acquired, is truly a family affair. As the spouse of a 9-year stroke survivor and member of a support group, I witness the wide range of post-injury reality the survivor families face. Witnessing that – the emotions, fears, courage, joys when new survivor milestones are achieved – that is the value.
I am glad to be supporting the Strokefocus initiative for these years. I would like to encourage families like us to gather and share strength one to the other through this platform.
Naomi Beigel
Survivor and Member
My life was changed forever by a stroke on April 8, 2010. Prior to that, I was a professional musician. On Sept 2, 2017, my husband who is my dearest friend and my caregiver after the injury passed away.
I got involved with Strokefocus in 2018. It provides a way for me to connect with other stroke survivors and caregivers. It is very convenient for someone like me who would do not rely entirely on local support groups. I met people from other states and Canada. It is comforting to know I am not alone.
We were involved in reviewing the design of this site. I hope you like it and use it. All of us have something to share to help others.
Clem Suder
Survivor, Member and Online Group Leader
I was a regional manager running a technology servicing operation covering 6 states, when I fell from a flight of stairs in May 2005. The event totally changed my life. Although I have recovered physically, the loss of memory has since become a challenge I deal with every day.
Through my support group Unlimited Possibilities, I got involved in the Strokefocus. We designed, reviewed and tested the site as a team. Remember the darkest moments after our injury? We wondered who were people like us. Where to get help?
I wanted to find a solution so no survivor would have to feel helpless or alone.
The injury did not destroy us. It transformed us. What we went through has prepared us to help others.
Join us! Make your voice heard.
Emo Moe
Before a stroke hit me in 2014 at the age of 63, I worked for many years mostly as a systems analyst, while playing at the same time as a professional rock n’ roll bass player. The stroke impaired my vision, from which I have mostly recovered. I’m still fighting through some residual cognitive issues. My wife has been a wonderful support. I don’t know what I’d do without her.
I have been involved with the Strokefocus project since 2018. We have been working as a team to make sure the platform is easy to use and beneficial to everyone. To me, the camaraderie means so much. I hope what we launched will assure you, there are many who went through the same. You are not alone.
Eugene Sekiguchi
Survivor and Member
I retired from USC about 9 years ago as a Clinical Professor, Department Director and Associate Dean of School of Dentistry. About 8 years ago, I was knocked down by an ischemic stroke. Completely ignorant of aging and strokes. I went to a non-stroke aware hospital in a private car and was dismissed in a few days without proper treatment. According to the MRI’s, I was injured in the medulla or brain stem. My initial deficits were right side incapacity, unable to speak and write, inability to use chopsticks. To a right-hander like me, this was particularly hard. Over the years, I’ve recovered some speech ability. I can sign my name and use the chopsticks somehow. My right arm is still tremoring.
The Strokefocus project has given me a sense of purpose. Stroke is a devastating experience. However, even more acute is the need to improve stroke care which leaves a lot to be desired. The Strokefocus initiative makes me feel I am not alone. We have a lot to share and contribute. I have learned since my injury the best help to a survivor and the family comes from those who have experienced the same. We need to find a way to share our learning and get our voice heard. The site you see now is designed, reviewed and tested by many just like me. I hope you like it. Together, we will make a difference.