Trombone player Doug Sparkes thought his career with the VSO was over when he suffered a stroke in the summer of 2011 that left him initially paralyzed on his right side. But, by December 2012, he was back in his seat in the orchestra part-time and this spring he finished his first full year back.

Doug, 66, is the first to admit the road to recovery isn’t easy. But he persevered through a life-saving operation and intensive physical therapy, losing 80 pounds in the process and shifting to a healthier lifestyle.

Now, stroke survivors have a new tool for help and hope: the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Living with Stroke™ program. The program is designed to help stroke survivors and their families improve their quality of life, cope with challenges and connect with others in order to reintegrate back into the community.

Lead by volunteer facilitators (including some from VCH) and provided free in a variety of BC communities, the program is comprised of eight weekly, two-hour sessions. Weekly topics include: impact of stroke, physical changes and keeping active; dealing with emotions and relationships; reducing future risk and nutrition.

All stroke survivors and their families are welcome to join.

Register

To register, please call 1.888.473.4636. For more information on stroke resources and the program, please see: www.heartandstroke.bc.ca/livingwithstroke

Please help spread the word and encourage those you think this program may be helpful for to register today!