On March 6 I mark a dozen years as a stroke survivor. It is hard (sometimes) to believe it has been so long. I am one of those who a 100 (or even 50) years ago might not be alive today to write this. For this I am grateful.

We live in a time where many of us do not immediately die when we stroke. But, almost all are never "cured." Most are left with problems, which they may have to deal with for many years. We have several members who are over 40 years post stroke, so the myth that stroke marks some kind of beginning to an end may sometimes be over blown.

Various therapies, both traditional and non-traditional, bring many of us to a recovery beyond what the medical world thinks possible. Maybe there will be a "cure" some day, but I have not heard of one yet.

Each of us has the ability to push ourselves to be all that we can be. For me post stroke is another chapter in my life journey. It may not be a chapter I had planned for, but it is the one I have.

Wishing everyone a good March.

This month several writers reference the February Creative Writing Issue. If you missed it, check out the Newsletter Archive. There is a link under Quick Links on the left hand column of this newsletter.

Enjoy the March newsletter!

Lin Wisman
Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenetwork.org

Organization Highlights
Stroke Network News By Steve Mallory Stroke Education (including the Stroke Awareness Website of The Stroke Network) Stroke Awareness Quilts Bookshop Fund Raising - Car Magnets Manhattan New York Stroke Interviews Click to Read Steve's Remarks... Steve is Founder and CEO The Stroke Network Contact Steve at smallory@strokenetwork.org

Life is Not Fair
What to do?? By Kathy Saul Kathy was inspired by one of the writings in the February issue to write about happiness. Attitude, Attitude, Attitude. Click to Read Fair Contact Kathy at ksaul@strokenetwork.org

Glass Houses and Stones
Keeping in touch with your Doctor By Chris DeWald Chris reflects on medical problems he has experienced post stroke. He reminds everyone how important it is to keep in touch with your doctor. Click to Read Stones Contact Chris at cdewald@strokenetwork.org

Top Ten Caregiver List
What's on your List? By Marylee Nunley Marylee is a long time caregiver and the Executive Director of Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp. In this article she shares ten items which should be on all caregiver lists. This article is reprinted from the Newsletter of SSEEO, Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other. Click to Read List

Fuel for the Journey
Living in the Now By Lin Mouat Many survivors, including Lin, are experiencing continued ability loss. How do you decide when to give up something (like driving), how do you handle the alternatives? Each of us is beckoned to live in the NOW. To live where we are today not where we were yesterday or will be tomorrow Click To Read Fuel for the Journey Contact Lin at lmouat@strokenetwork.org

Newsfeed Review

Description: Description: http://www.strokenetwork.org/newsletter/images/reading.jpg Stroke News Last Month
By Jean Guggenheimer

Each month Jean reviews stroke news that was published the previous month.

Topics reviewed this month:

Green, black tea can reduce stroke risk

Strokes Tied to Fast-food Neighborhoods

Clot-buster Drug Boosts Stroke Survival

Stroke Patients Who Reach Hospitals Within "Golden Hour" Twice as Likely to Get Clot-Busting Drug

Doctors Re-Examine Blood Thinners to Prevent Strokes

Coffee May Cut Stroke Risk In Women

Women Often Unaware of Stroke Risk

Smokers with stroke in the family 6 times more likely to also stroke

Earworms

Doctor tells actress: no more kids

Read Review

Member Stories

Shirley Champaco Cruz

Shirley, who lives in California, has had a very interesting life. She was a caregiver to her daughter for many years before her stroke. Having a stroke has taught her caregiver lessons. Shirley's story tells how she has rebuilt her life.

Read Member Story

There are thousands of stories and thousands ways our Readers are dealing with stroke. If you would like to have your story featured, contact Deb Theriault, the Members Stories Coordinator, at dtheriault@strokenetwork.org.

Member Stories Guidelines
Read Member Stories Guidelines for more info on this program.

Member Stories Permanent Collection

Member Celebrations

Description: Description: Bios Pix Birthdays and Stroke Anniversaries
Compiled By Nancy Fiduk

The Stroke Network congratulates all members who celebrate a birthday or stroke anniversary this month. Click below to see the birthdays and anniversaries we have on file for this month.

Click to Read Celebrations...

Contact Nancy at nfiduk@strokenetwork.org

Each month members' birthdays, which they have placed in their message board profile, are listed.

To add your birthday, go to My Controls on the Message Board. Look for Personal Profile on the left of the screen. Select Edit Profile Information. Enter both your birthdate and your interests.

To locate My Controls from the home page of the Message board, http://www.strokeboard.net, select Member Links, My Controls.

If you would like your stroke anniversary listed, send to the the Celebrations Monitor at nfiduk@strokenetwork.org. Be sure to include your userid and the month, day and year of the stroke. If you are not the survivor, please include the survivor's first name and your relationship. For example: Bill, husband.

Contents may not be reprinted without the organization's permission. Please contact the editor.

Disclaimer

This newsletter is sponsored by The Stroke Network, Inc. The items contained herein are published as submitted and are provided for general information purposes only. This information should not be considered as personal advice.

Readers should not rely solely on our newsletter information, but should make their own inquiries before making any decisions. The Stroke Network works to maintain up-to-date information from reliable sources; however, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions or results of any actions based upon this information. If you have any questions regarding any of these items, contact the newsletter editor.

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