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INTRODUCTION:
It is estimated that approximately 240 people suffer a stroke in South Africa daily, of which ¾ survive. It is often perceived as an event that only occurs in the elderly, but international data (SA data not available) indicates that approximately 25% of people who suffer a stroke are of economically active age and approximately 2.5% are below the age of 30.
Charlene Murray and George Scola were in their 30's when they had a stroke.
Then they faced the monumental task of adjusting back into society. Fortunately, they both had devoted friends and family and the financial resources to access the professional help they needed to create their new lives. This support was vital to their recovery.
Not everyone is so lucky.
Understanding this, they felt compelled to create The Stroke Survivors Foundation in 2010 to offer support to others.
It is not what happens to us, but how we deal with it that dictates the quality of our lives. Having survived the stroke is the easy part. Next comes the recovering, adjusting and acknowledging the disabilities for both the survivor and the family. Staying informed, motivated and keeping a positive attitude... this is the difference between conquering and overcoming or taking it lying down.
MISSION STATEMENT:
To create a national network that provides post-discharge rehabilitation and support for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers.
VISION:
» To provide a support structure to stoke survivors who do not have a support team;
» To reduce the burden of financial stress;
» To reduce the burden on the caregivers;
» To keep the stroke survivor motivated;
» To improve access to rehabilitation centres.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
» To create a Stroke Survivors manual for survivors, caregivers and family;
» To support existing and where necessary create stroke survivors centres;
» Undertake events that motivate stroke survivors;
» To increase stroke awareness and education;
» To create a data base of Stroke Survivors;
» To assist and be part of stroke studies and research;
» To inform and assist Stroke Survivors in employment opportunities or inform regarding access to grants and other financial resources;
» To create diverse fund raising channels;
» To become the model in stroke rehabilitation.
PROJECTS OF THE STROKE SURVIVORS FOUNDATION TO DATE:
"Bring It On" Campaign »
One of the challenges that faced both George and Charlene was a complete lack of awareness surrounding stroke survival in South Africa. Once the Foundation was formed, it was time to get it some nation-wide exposure, and so the Bring It On Campaign was incubated.
The goal is to walk from Beit Bridge, in the far north of the country, to Cape Point, in the far south. Yes, this type of walk has been done before, but by able bodied people who averaged between 25 and 40km a day. George, who will be the one tasked with walking the full 2 400km distance, will be aiming at 15km per day, which makes the marathon a full six-month operation. He will be supported, at all times, by Ray Chaplin (Adventurer, campaigner and educator), and will be joined along the way by as many fellow survivors, celebrities and stray dogs as can be persuaded to take part. Charlene will join in for some of the walk, and be the general coordinator.
Is it possible?
Two years ago, when George was released from hospital in a wheelchair, little seemed possible. With support, perseverance and desire, George’s personal rehabilitation continues to reward with daily improvements, through a mantra of adapt, improvise, overcome, and the long walk will be an extension of this, as well as being a symbol of the long-term outlook stroke survivors are faced with: the rest of their lives is a long, long journey, filled with uncertainty. The SSF aims to give every future survivor’s walk a route, and a goal.
Stroke Manual »
When you have a stroke it takes a while for the reality to sink in. You go through many emotions; shock, anger, denial, depression and embarrassment. You only have two choices; fight or flee. You will have a multitude of questions. Your family and caregivers will have questions. Having this information will empower you to become a “stroke survivor”, to adjust and go on to thrive.
Currently in South Africa a survivor can access information regarding the clinical status of their disease; however there is no single source of information regarding living with a stroke in South Africa, self help coping techniques, support equipment, employment and grant opportunities, availability of rehabilitation centres and caregivers etc. The Stroke Foundation is undertaking a project to identify, collate and publish this information to assist stroke survivors, family of stroke survivors and caregivers.
WHO’S WHO:
The Founding Members:
George Scola
After graduating with a Diploma in Computer Systems, George began working for Nedcor in the Electronic Banking Department, where his duties included installing the hardware and software. Following the successful roll-outs of various projects, George was promoted to Project Manager within the Nedcor IT department and was responsible for managing projects relating to the Home loan platform and the Factoring platform.
After 7 years with Nedcor, George left to start-up his own company, Bond-on-Demand, a company specialising in mortgage origination and debt consolidation. George developed an intricate knowledge of the home loan industry and identified unique origination channels. Investec Bank identified the value behind the origination model developed by George and initiated the establishment of a funding platform to enable the loans originated to be securitised.
On the 26th of April 2008 aged 37, George suffered an ischemic stroke as a result of anti cardiolipin syndrome which left him with a right hemiparesis and expressive aphasia. In 2010, George became a founding member of The Stroke Survivors Foundation.
Charlene Murray
Charlene was a Property Consultant for Pam Golding Properties and a single mother with one daughter. She suffered a stroke on the 7th of March 2006, aged 32 and was hospitalized for eight weeks. In 2008, she suffered a TIA (Trans Ischemic Attack). In spite of severe initial difficulties, she persisted with rehabilitation treatment and, against all predictions, has made a miraculous recovery. While there are still some effects which will remain for the rest of her life, she is able to lead a busy, full and productive life.
As a result of her own ordeal, Charlene became acutely aware of the fact that there are many people just like her. Some of them more severely affected and many are from disadvantaged communities. These unfortunate victims have little or no recourse to assistance or further treatment and are often reduced to a vegetative state. Because of her own experiences, Charlene knows that most of these people can have more meaningful lives than they are leading at present. This does not require much more than care and attention, which many are not receiving.
Charlene will be dedicating the rest of her life to The Stroke Foundation. She will assist people to get over the trauma of strokes, to be rehabilitated and even to get jobs and earn an income. The Stroke Foundation has fundamental resources which will be expanded exponentially as awareness of stroke victims and their plight grows.
The Board Members:
Alison McVey
Charlene Murray
Dewald van den Berg
Giorgio Scola
Helen Kruger
Jasmine Grindlay
Stuart Horwood
The Management Team:
George Scola
george@strokesurvivors.org.za
Charlene Murray
charlene@strokesurvivors.org.za
Tel +27 82 889 1800
Last updated: 13 July 2010 |
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