March has allows come to me as a strange month. It is possible to have both snow and spring like weather. Where I come from they say "March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb." Personally, I am ready for the lamb part.

Speaking of March, I celebrate my 13^th anniversary as a stroke survivor this month. It is hard to believe it has been so long ago, and easier to believe how much I have learned about not only stroke, and about life.

This month we revisit a favorite topic of many in the stroke family - stem cell therapy. Walt reports on several studies that are underway. David reviews the book "The Brain That Changes Itself" which explores the plasticity of the brain. Lin reports on dealing with stroke deficits.

Erin and JJ write about the issue of stroke life after therapy. Jean (Newsfeed Review), Brian (Reflections of a Survivor), Nancy (Member Celebrations) and Maria (Organization Highlights) all write their monthly columns.

Enjoy the March newsletter!

Lin Wisman
Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenetwork.org

Organization Highlights
What is Happening By Maria Erichsen Maria announces the Shrimp and Bull fundraiser for The Stroke Network. It is scheduled for March 21. Click to Read Contact Maria at merichsen@strokenetwork.org

Stem Cell Therapy and Stroke
Current Research By Walter Kilcullen Walt reports on some studies underway in the US and in Europe concerning Stem Cell Therapy and Stroke. Research, which has been going on for sometime, is optimistic, but no one has all the answers. Read the article to find out the state of current research. Click to Read Contact Walt at wkilcullen@strokenetwork.org

Book Review
The Brain That Changes Itself By David Wasielewski David reviews the book "The Brain That Changes Itself," by Norman Doidge, M. D. This book debunks the theory that the brain cannot heal itself. Be sure to check out this review. Click to Read Contact David at dwasielewski@strokenetwork.org

Fuel for the Journey
The Quiet One By Lin Mouet Like many stroke survivors Lin has pin pointed her deficits and designed approaches, which deal with those deficits. Each stroke is different so your deficits (or those of your loved one) may be very different. You might be able to "steal" some of Lin's ideas or they might help you to create your own answers. Click to Read Contact Lin at lmouat@strokenetwork.org

Newsfeed Review

Stroke News

By Jean Guggenheimer

Each month Jean selects stroke news and shares with readers. This month's articles include:

· Strokes Less Common In Chocolate Eaters

· Mediterranean Diet May Prevent Stroke-Related Brain Damage

· Chronic Migraines Linked To Increased Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke.

· Pet Duck Teaches 4-Year-Old How To Walk

· Recent Immigrants May Have Lower Risk Of Early Stroke

· Antidepressant Aids Mental Recovery After Stroke

· Weight Loss Drug Harmful For Heart Patients: FDA

· Quarter Of Stroke Patients Die Within A Year-US Study

Click to Read

Reflections of a Survivor
Qualifications By Brian Kahlbaugh Brian ponders on the area of Stroke Qualifications. Some people have severe strokes, some had a minor stroke. Survivors are encouraged to discover what it is they now have to offer the world. This is Brian's final article. The Stroke Network thanks him for his contributions to the newsletter Click to Read

Speak No Evil
Life After Stroke Therapy By Erin and JJ Robertson Like many stroke survivors, JJ discovered that his insurance severely limited the amount of therapy for which he was eligible. Like many families both Erin and JJ set out to find ways to extend his therapy on their own. They share their experiences. Click to Read Contact Erin and JJ at erobertson@strokenetwork.org

Member Stories

Would you like to have your story featured? Member Stories are written with the help of our Member Stories Coordinator, Deb Theriault.

First, read the Member Stories Guidelines for more info on the program. If you are still interested email Deb at dtheriault@strokenetwork.org.

Click Member Stories Permanent Collection to see the stories which have been published.

Members can add their own stroke experiences to the Bios section of The Gallery. These are unedited and are not featured in the newsletter.

Member Celebrations

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

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.

To submit an article email the editor.

Disclaimer

This newsletter is published and owned by The Stroke Network. 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.

This newsletter may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organizations. The Stroke Network does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these websites, nor does it guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented there.

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