My life has completely changed in such a positive way and continues to change since the concept was born to start this support group. I feel so fulfilled to be making a difference in people's lives.
Since my last entry, I've been so busy with the RO support group, creating and managing the http://www.reclaimingourselves.com/ website, working with the National Stroke Association, Facebook, IRS, PayPal, Chase, training to run (haha ok, jog!) a 5K in Southern CA in a few weeks, and oh yeah ~ organizing our first Reclaiming Ourselves Hope After Stroke 3K Walk. Our event is a fundraiser for National Stroke Association in addition to raising awareness that strokes do not age discriminate and it does happen to young adults.
Thank you Michael and Curtis for the logo ideas and putting them on the computer. They are great and I wouldn't change a thing! There are three logos. One is the face of a clock. The hands of time are going counter-clockwise to symbolize we are trying to turn back time to reclaim ourselves. The font style is "fun" therefore, we chose the "Happy Days" looking font. The other logo is our road banner. This shows our slogan "Our Journey On The Road To Recovery". And the final logo is for our 3K walk.
Let me tell you a little about our Reclaiming Ourselves.
Slogan:
Our Journey On The Road To Recovery
Description:
Reclaiming Ourselves is a stroke survivor support group geared towards young adults under 50 and their families.
Mission Statement:
To promote peer support and encouragement for young adult stroke survivors who strive to reclaim the lifestyles and activities once enjoyed prior to stroke.
Info about the Hope After Stroke 3K Walk
Donations and Sponsorship for Reclaiming Ourselves are gladly accepted and will be used towards the success of this fundraising event. See Donate button above (top upper left of page)
Donations directly to National Stroke Association are gladly accepted through the following secure website. www.firstgiving.com/karendionne
The walk itself will be held, rain or shine, on May 8, 2010. Starting at Owen Beach in Tacoma, WA, the 3K route will take us along the beautiful waterfront Promenade of Commencement Bay while enjoying a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier to the Boathouse Marina and make a U-turn. The course distance is 3K=1.8 miles.
Point Defiance Park, Owen Beach
+47.312867, -122.528495
We've contacted all the local media about our event. Our guest speaker is Dr. Brian Kott. He's a bit of a celebrity up here in the medical world. Sounds like we even have a blues band who is willing to donate their time and entertainment for our event. Kinko's offered to donate a 3x5 banner which will be awesome! Crytal Springs offered to donate all the water for our event. AA Party Rentals may even donate chairs for our event. Things are coming together. I'm proud of what we've done so far!
Our 3rd support group meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. We have another gentleman in our group named Danny. We enjoy having him come to the meetings with his wife and Mother-In-Law. With all of the advertising we've done, I'm sure more members will join.
Now for the BIG news! National Stroke Association did an interview over the phone with both Libby and me. They are going to write a feature article about us in their Nationwide publication of StrokeSmart magazine. It highlights our stories, how we met, how we are doing now, and what we are doing on a positive level to help others. It should come out by this summer.
Now, for the BIGGER news! The FDA just approved botox as a possibly use for some patients who suffer from uppler limb spasticity (ULS) which is what I have in my left hand. Allergan Pharaceutical is partnering with not only the National Stroke Association, but National Multiple Sclerosis Society, United Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury Resource Center and National Spinal Cord Injury Association for a Nationwide media campaign promoting this approved new treatment. The National Stroke Association recommended me to Allergan as a possible Local Ambassador for their media campaign. Rina from Allergan contacted me yesterday and she asked if I'd be interested in such an honor. Of course I said yes. Allergan may fly me to New York next week for a summit meeting with all the chosen local ambassador representatives from each Association for training. How amazing is that!? I'm so excited I could burst!
God truly does open doors. We just need the courage and strength to embrace change, turn the doorknob and walk through. Look how I got here!
8045
