June 06, 2022
After Stroke supported more than 3,000 stroke survivors and their caregivers, filling a critical care gap, and plans to expand in second year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – During Stroke Awareness Month in June, March of Dimes Canada is marking the one-year anniversary of its enhanced After Stroke program. In its first year, After Stroke, a personalized program supporting stroke survivors and their caregivers, has helped more than 3,000 Canadians navigate their stroke recovery journeys.
After Stroke is a vital, evidence-based resource for individuals across the country living with the effects of stroke. Highly trained After Stroke Coordinators work one-on-one with stroke survivors and their caregivers to create personalized recovery plans, connect them to local resources, and help them build a strong support network.
“From the hospital to home, I didn’t feel alone in my journey as a stroke survivor,” says Patti Farnham, a participant in the After Stroke program from Kitchener, Ontario. “Finally, I had hope.”
After discharge from hospital, many of the 405,000 people in Canada living with the effects of stroke face significant difficulties in identifying and accessing supports and services available in their community, compounding the isolation and stress caused by the stroke itself. The After Stroke program fills this critical gap and provides participants with a true sense of community and inclusion, helping them feel supported and see real progress in their recovery.
“One of the best things I get from these (After Stroke program) groups is the feeling of friendship with members who have some of the same experiences as me,” says Elaine Godkin, an After Stroke participant from Prince Edward Island. “This connection has reduced the feelings of isolation and loneliness.”
March of Dimes Canada is recognizing Stroke Awareness Month with a host of activities including the
Step Up for Stroke fundraiser, supporting the 62,000 people who experience a stroke in Canada each year. People across Canada can sign up and “choose their 62” throughout the month, whether it be running 62 km, taking 62,000 steps, reading 62 chapters, or anything else they enjoy, culminating in a virtual event on June 25. March of Dimes Canada will also partner on webinars with the
Ontario Caregiver Organization on June 8 and with
Heart & Stroke on June 13.
Earlier this month, March of Dimes Canada also launched the website for the
Stroke Recovery in Motion (SRiM) Planner, an extensive, evidence-informed resource created by a pan Canadian research team and funded by a
Brain Canada grant. This resource guides anyone interested in providing community-based physical activity programs for people who have experienced a stroke in the design and delivery of these programs.
Entering its second year, the After Stroke team will continue to work with partners and collaborators like Heart & Stroke to develop programs designed with the needs of stroke survivors, their caregivers, and families in mind.
“The After Stroke program was designed based on the best available evidence and informed by stroke care best practices,” says Dr. Michelle L.A. Nelson, Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer, March of Dimes Canada, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lanna School of Public Health, and Research Scientist at the Collaboratory for Research and Innovation. “As we continue to expand this program, we are excited to share developments that we anticipate will impact after stroke care in Canada – while recognizing that there is still more work to be done.”
For more information on the After Stroke program and to learn more about the experiences of some of our participants, please visit
afterstroke.ca.
March of Dimes Canada is a leading national charity committed to championing equity, empowering ability, and creating real change that will help people living with disabilities across the country unlock the richness of their lives. As a leading service provider, resource, and advocate, we’re paving the way for people living with disabilities to experience full and meaningful lives in an inclusive world. And we hope you’ll join us.
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For more information:
Joan Patch
Communications Specialist
March of Dimes Canada
