Karen Kistler

karen.kistler@salisburypost.com

 

SALISBURY — The Rowan Stroke Support Group has returned thanks to the partnership of some local stroke survivors along with Novant, the YMCA and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, all helping to provide this community service.

The group held its first meeting on Feb. 3 at the YMCA on Jake Alexander Boulevard, and Stu Stepp, a stroke survivor and the support group leader, said he thought the meeting was amazing. 

He said that during the gathering, almost everyone shared their personal story of how they got from their stroke event to where they are now.

“There was laughing and crying and inspiration,” said Stepp. “Hearing the stories and the different experiences was very therapeutic I believe for everyone involved.”

Lori Goodnight, Novant Stanback Rehab occupational therapist, said she thought they “had a great turnout for our first meeting.”

Wendy Barnhardt, RCCC dean of health, education and cosmetology programs, said she was “very pleased with the turnout and participation of the group. I’m looking forward to exploring the possibilities for future meetings.”

She shared previously that students in RCCC’s occupational and physical therapy assistant programs and nursing students would be helping with the support group. And while there were no students at this first meeting, Barnhardt said they are “still investigating ways to incorporate them into the group meetings.”

Attending this first event were five stroke survivors, which included Stepp and Barnhardt, three caregivers/family members and four Novant employees, which included Dr. Carolyn MacDonald, Novant Stanback physical medicine rehab physician; Dr. Ashley Truesdale, Novant Stanback physical therapist; Tina Dotson, Novant stroke program coordinator; and Goodnight.

Goodnight said that those who came enjoyed time together “sharing stories, experiences, knowledge, advice, support, a little tears, but also many laughs. We all felt a connection from familiar faces to similar struggles.”

In addition to a time to share their personal experiences, the group discussed goals for the group and future meeting topics. Some of those program ideas were adaptive sports, exercise as medicine, post-stroke pain and post-stroke depression.

Goodnight said they are arranging to have special speakers to address each of the topics plus allow time for attendees to discuss and ask questions, be able to talk and support and participate in some fun and socializing activities..

“We are excited to continue growing our Stroke Support Group,” she said.

The group will meet at the local YMCA from 7-8 p.m. on the first Monday of each month with Stepp serving as the facilitator.

“Seeing this group come together is definitely proof as a stroke survivor finding a way to redefine my purpose that aligns with my path is possible,” Stepp said, “and my goal with this group is to make sure that other stroke survivors and their support system sees that as well.”