Unfortunately this year has produced thousands of new stroke survivors. Whether you are new or old to stroke, The Stroke Network hopes it has been able to help you on the journey. It is a continual process of rehabilitation. Whether this has been a good year or not for you remember that there are many here to help.

Three seasonal articles appear. First is a reprint of an article on Surviving the Holidays. This article gives helpful hints on how to make a hectic season easier for everyone. In The Juggling Caregiver Claudia shares how the holidays have changed for their family post stroke.

Stroke does change the seasonal experience, but there are ways to make it easier. The learning for most is to not try to recreate holidays past, but to find a new future. Read Speak No Evil where Erin and J.J. share their list of gifts that would please most survivors or caregivers.

David is on a mission to change people's perception of the disabled. Be sure to check out Beth Hanley's Member Story. She is a young stroke survivor.

Don't forget to look at our monthly features Organization Highlights to catch up with the news, Member Celebrations to see who has a registered their birthday or stroke anniversary in December, and News Review to read three articles.

Enjoy the December newsletter!

Lin Wisman

Director Information Resources

Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenetwork.org

Organization Highlights

What's Happening
By Maria Erichsen
Operations Manager

What's happening at The Stroke Network?

Areas covered in this month's report include:

·  Message Board Holiday Look
·  Holiday Chat Parties
·  Shrimp and Bull Fundraiser Report
· Holiday Help Suggestions

Click Icon to Read Article

Contact Maria at merichsen@strokenetwork.org

Surviving the Holidays

Helpful Hints from a Survivor
By Lin Mouet

In 2007 Lin shared insights on surviving the holidays as a stroke survivor. Be sure to check out article for ways to make the season easier!

Click Icon to Read Article

The Juggling Caregiver

Less Stress, No Mess, Happiness!! By Claudia Warner

Claudia shares new family holiday traditions. Since Wes' stroke they have evolved to make the holidays more enjoyable.

Click Icon to Read Article

Contact Claudia at cwarner@strokenetwork.org

Speak No Evil

Gift Ideas
By Erin and J.J. Robertson

Wondering what gift to give someone who is a survivor or caregiver? Erin and J.J. have compiled a list 10 gifts which most survivors or caregivers would appreciate.

And, if anyone asks you for an idea of what to give you, don't hesitate to share the list.

Click Icon to Read Article

Contact Erin and J.J. at

erobertson@strokenetwork.org

Towards Changing the Perception of the Disabled

By David Wasielewski

Many stroke survivors have experienced being judged as disabled first. Their skills may be a secondary concern. David is on a mission to change perceptions.

Click Icon to Read Article

Contact David at

dwasielewski@strokenetwork.org

News Review

Studies Highlight Brain's Resiliency To Damage

By Dean Reinke

The idea of the brain healing itself has been featured in studies and in books by survivors who have experienced healing. Dean features three studies which look at the issue.

If there is an area you would like Dean to research, send him an email.

Click Icon to Read Article

Contact Dean at dreinke@strokenetwork.org

Member Stories

Beth Hanley
By Deb Theriault
Member Stories Administrator

Beth Hanley is featured. Beth stroked in 2006 when she was 29 and pregnant. Read about her journey.

Click Photo to Read Story

Contact Deb at dtheriault@strokenetwork.org

Member Stories is an regular feature of this newsletter. They are a way for Members to share their accomplishments post stroke.

To read past stories, click Member Stories Permanent Collection

Member Celebrations

Birthdays and Stroke
Anniversaries
Compiled By Teri Truax

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 Icon to Read Article

Each month members' birthdays and Stroke Anniversaries, which they have placed in their message board profile, are listed in the newsletter.

Be sure your birthday and stroke anniversary are in your profile. From the home page of the Message Board, click the drop down menu with your display name to see your profile. When browsing your profile, select Edit Profile.

Each day birthdays and stroke anniversaries are also listed on the Message Board.

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.

The Stroke Network, Inc. P.O. Box 492 Abingdon| MD 21009