Pembina Valley’s new peer support group for stroke survivors has steadily grown since launching last fall, but organizers hope to see even more people take part in the months ahead.
Led by Dr. Margie Hesom, who survived a stroke herself a few years ago, the group meets the third Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Central Station Community Centre in Winkler (555 Main St.).
At last month’s meeting, 10 people, survivors and family members alike, came together to share their stories and lean on each other for support.
Lloyd Ching’s stroke was three years ago. He joined the group in the hopes of finding encouragement and motivation as he works towards leaving his wheelchair behind.
“I’m progressing slowly, I think,” he shared. “All I need is a little bit of energy to get better. I’ve kind of lost interest [in recovery] and I thought this group would kind of get me back in the groove again.”
Hearing other people’s journeys has been both inspiring and comforting, Ching said, knowing he’s not alone in what he’s going through.
“We’ve got the same problems,” he said. “When you’re on your own, you’re always thinking the worst. But this, I hope, will help. You’ve got to have people [around you]. The more the merrier, I think.
“My dad always said … if you have a problem, just find a rainy day and go to a neighbour’s place and get together and talk. You’ll find out that maybe somebody else has the same problem or worse.”
“It’s good to have a support system of other people around you that have gone through similar things, or more things,” agreed Greg Armistead, a fellow stroke survivor. “It’s good to be a part of a team that can help you get back, and support each other.”
Angela Bergman has been attending alongside her mother, who had her second stroke six months ago. She’s there to support her mom, but also learn more about what she’s going through.
“The Stroke Recovery Association came into Riverview [a recovery centre in Winnipeg] when my mom was there. It was two individuals who had been stroke survivors and it really opened up my understanding on how to be there for my mom,” Bergman said. “To hear other stories and to share ideas of things you can try, it just broadens your perspective of it and how to be there for them.”
Sharing experiences is what the group is all about, Hesom said.
“We’re just sharing stories and goals and encouragement,” she said, noting they’ve been pleased to welcome newcomers every month so far.
They hope to eventually bring in guest speakers—doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians, lawyers, long-term survivors—and also provide participants with access to other recovery resources that are available, though Hesom noted it has been frustrating in that many such resources are Winnipeg-based right now.
Registration for the support group is not required; simply stop by to join in. The next meeting will be Feb. 20.
“Your stroke doesn’t have to be recent,” Hesom stressed. “Even if it was years ago, we want to support you and we want to hear from you.”
You can also learn more at www.strokerecovery.ca or by contacting Hesom at 204-362-7088.
