About Us

The group of authors that had interested in the topic of STROKE:
  • stroke survivors,
  • caregivers,
  • writers / journalists,
  • publisher / editors,
  • administrators / coders.


SSTattler Publisher & Chief Editor 
     - Dr. Beagle C. Cranium, FoF, P&CE.
Dr. Beagle C Cranium
Stroke Survivors Tattler 
  • He was born Beagle C. Cranium in  Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland and moved to Inverness (about 40 km north-west) when he was very young.  As a child he did all the usual puppy things like chased balls & frisbees, went to puppy school and enjoyed his kibble. When he was teenager (yes, the dog-years are converted human-years) he went to Edinburgh University and got his bachelor's degree, FoF (Friends of Frasier).
  • He got a  decent job, evaluating dog-toys (i.e. balls, frisbee, ...) and in the evening he coached soccer teams (his team won the local championship) but he wanted more ...
  • He got  a chance to move to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for a new degree and a better job. He worked 5 (human) years for a Ph.D. (i.e. P&CE - Publisher & Chief Editor) at the University of Alberta.  His dissertation was excellent and job possibilities abound.
  • His first job (after his degree P&CE) was at the Edmonton Journal specializing in Science & Medical News. He worked for several years and he was very satisfied, but Stroke Survivors Tattler need a P&CE and so Dr. Cranium got an offer:
    • Publisher and Chief Editor of the  whole Stroke Survivors Tattler blog,
    • Stock options (undisclosed but it must be very big to entice him from the Edmonton Journal),
    • Control of all employees:
      • coders / administrators,
      • many writers / journalists.
  • He accepted the offer. He worked diligently as the Typist,  Publisher, and Chief Editor.  So far the first year was tough and challenging but rewarding.  Typically, like most optimistic beagles, he believes that next year is going to even better!
  • If you want business card(s) please look at Publisher & Chief Editor Cards.
  • He has a very strong Scottish Gaelic brĂ³g so you can best E-Mail through SSTattler.



SSTattler Coder & Administration - John C. Anderson
John C. Anderson
Stroke Survivors Tattler
  • I am John C. Anderson a.k.a. SSTattler Administrator.
  • I had a stroke / aphasia in 1997. 
  • Degree in B.Sc. Computing Science of University of Alberta. 
  • I love swimming, riding bike, sailing, darts, ... 
  • I publish the "Tattler" every week but you have to give me the new article News. 
    • I insist the article is a) coherent and b) true. 
    • If you want to discuss an article, errors, expunge, changes, copyright, ..., etc contact to me Stroke Survivors Tattler e-mail: SSTattler Administrator (or SSTattler11@gmail.com).
  • If you want to read my brief technical history then click: My brief mostly technical history.



SSTattler Blogger -  Sharon D. Anderson
Sharon D. Anderson
Stroke Survivors Tattler
  • Degrees in B.A. & Hygiene & M.Ed. & M.Sc.
  • Studying for Ph.D. Human Ecology.
  • Writing many articles for:
    • blogs for SSTattler & SSAO & SRAE,
    • various journals mostly about stroke.
  • Contact me at: Sharon.anderson@shaw.ca.
SSTattler Blogger - Jackie Poff
Jackie Poff
Stroke Survivors Tattler
  • Stroke in 2008 - massive stroke & hemicraniectomy.
  • I'm stroke survivor, still busy recovering.
  • Usually my topics are Jokes, Riddles, and Stories.
  • Any other thing, tell me, maybe I can write even more.










SSTattler Blogger - Monty Becker



SSTattler Blogger - Carrie Lewis
Carrie Lewis
Stroke Survivors Tattler
  • Carrie experienced her subarachnoid hemorrhage as “the worst head-ache I ever had”. 
  • The stroke left her with aphasia and other changes – “I saw the clock numbers backwards” – as well as a weak left side. 
  • She has learned to walk again, but her “left arm is taking longer, with no feeling, but works quite well, anyways.”
  • She will write anything possible -- Eclectic, YouTube, ....



SSTattler Blogger - Arthur Prochazka
Arthur Prochazka
Stroke Survivors Tattler
  • B.Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D.
  • I trained in electrical engineering and biophysics at the University of Melbourne, Australia and then did my doctoral studies in neurophysiology in Germany and a postdoc at Monash University, Melbourne.  
  • I was a senior lecturer at St. Thomas’s Hospital Medical School, University of London before becoming a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.
  • Basic research done by my team included the first recordings from sensory receptors that signal limb position and force to the spinal cord and brain during voluntary movement. 
  • We then analyzed the activity of neurons in the spinal cord that control muscles during locomotion and one of my students produced an animated movie of these activation patterns.  Computer models showed us that the activity patterns were highly adapted to the biomechanics of the limb.  
  • I then applied some of these findings to the task of improving hand function after stroke and spinal cord injury.  
  • Other clinically-oriented projects included tremor-suppression with functional electrical stimulation (FES), intraspinal microstimulation and pudendal nerve stimulation for bladder control, FES-assisted exercise therapy in stroke subjects and hands-free computer interfaces. 
  • Several devices invented in my laboratory have been commercialized through Rehabtronics Inc., a University of Alberta spin-off company. These include the ReJoyce (rehabilitation joystick for computerized exercise), the StimRouter (an implantable neural prosthesis), and a wireless earpiece that detects small toothclicks, enabling voluntary control of a hand stimulator.  
  • My current research is directed toward tele-rehabilitation, whereby therapists can remotely coach people with stroke and other disorders, performing exercises on the ReJoyce playstation.
  • See Arthur Prochazka at the University of Alberta          .



SSTattler Blogger - Regina Price
Regina Price
Stroke Survivors Tattler
  • Born in Edmonton.
  • Moved to the Yukon, married, and have 3 children (and many  foster children).
  • Went back to Edmonton and became a journalist through Grant MacEwan. My job was involved for federal government.
  • At Athabasca University I got B.A. of Psychology. I got a job with two schools -- helped children and their lives.
  • On January 1, 2007 I had an aneurysm, a kind of stroke.
  • Please read more: Biography of Regina Price.





SSTattler Blogger - Ralph R. Smith
Ralph R Smith
Stroke Survivors Tattler
  •  A long time ago, I was born in Edmonton.
  • I went to the University of Alberta (B.Comm.) and the University of Toronto (Ph.D.).
  • Worked in Ontario, Alberta & California mostly in the oil sector.
  • Retired with my wife in B.C. I love the coast and boating!
  • I four years ago a had cerebral aneurysm and haemorrhage stroke.  Physical symptoms disappeared in a few months but I still have minor aphasia.



Guest Blogger - Gary Gray
Gary Gray
P.E.I. Stroke Recovery
  • Prince Edward Island Stroke Recovery is the story of struggle to regain as many physical and mental abilities as possible that were taken away (at the blink of an eye) by that diabolical and catastrophic event called Stroke. 
  • This journey is a search and application of puzzle pieces that can  bring about acceptance of loss and the hope for building a new normal and getting on with the rest of your life after a stroke...
  • I am a stroke survivor on my long journey back to recovering as many abilities as possible and finding my new normal.
  • I write Prince Edward Island Stroke Recovery and many more -- you can look at my other sites at Gary Gray Blogger.


Guest Blogger - Dean Reinke
Dean Reinke
Deans' Stroke Musing
  • Most of my articles medical / stroke / ... in Deans' Stroke Musings.
  • Ask me questions or comments or would you like me to discuss something? I will try to answer. No medical diagnosis given or received. 
  • I am damned opinionated so don't expect fluff.
  • I'm available for public lectures, radio, podcast, or other media appearances. Contact me through the e-mail address oc1dean@gmail.com. 
  • In http://www.medical-blogs.org I'm 1 of 2 in the top ten that are not doctors, both of them are for strokes, which gives you an idea of what lack of information on stroke is available. Where are the stroke doctors blogging? Boost the other stroke blogs so we can show the pathetic nature of stroke information.
  • Other info see: Dean's Stroke Musing - Background.



Guest Blogger - Philip J. Reed
Philip J Reed
  • I am health and fitness enthusiast who understands the value of knowledge and prevention.
  • Work with George Washington University Cardiovascular Center.
  • My job title Content Development Specialist, simply means I work with the centres (hospitals) to put together articles to be useful.
  • I'm 31 years old and have worked as a writer for practically all my life.
  • I currently reside in Denver, CO, with my significant other and very rambunctious dog.   :)
  • If there's anything else you'd like to know, please just say the word and I'll be happy to get back to you!



Guest Blogger - Diane
Diane
The Pink House On The Corner
  • An author of 2 published books (one non-fiction, one collection of   short stories) & 12 unpublished (though not for lack of  trying!) novels, and now a full-time caregiver.
  • I live Florida, United States.
  • Robert and I live in the pink house on the corner. We were married 09/16/94. He is my soulmate, the love of my life. Robert was/is an artist and I am a writer. 
  • Sometime between 9:30 p.m. on October 21, 2010 and 9:00 a.m. the following day, Robert, suffered a near-fatal massive stroke damaging 80% of the left hemisphere of his brain while he was in ICU recovering from surgery. 
  •  He was discharged from the hospital 12/31/10 and, although the hospital wanted him sent to a nursing home, I decided to bring him home instead. This is the story of our journey on the road to his recovery -- see  The Pink House On The Corner.




Guest Blogger - Mark A. Ittleman
Mark A Ittleman
The Teaching of  Talking
  • Mark A. Ittleman is a recognized expert and teacher in the field  of speech-language pathology. His revolutionary new method, The Teaching of Talking, introduces speech-language  pathologists, caregivers, and students to expert methods which help people with speaking difficulties learn to talk.  
  • Ittleman earned the nickname the speech pathologist who   can make a rock talk! because of his outstanding success helping people regain the ability to speak.
  • His method is conversational, and he starts, in the very first therapy session, talking with his clients. Another unique feature of Mark’s method is that he invites caregivers and/or family members to join their loved one’s speech-language therapy sessions in order to learn the techniques he uses during speech therapy.
  • He shows caregivers and family members how to continue stimulating speech and language at home. Each additional hour spent by caregivers and family members stimulating speech and language at home greatly accelerates their loved one’s success with talking or speaking again.
  • See his site The Teaching of Talking.



Guest Blogger - Barb Polan
Barb Polan
Barb's Recovery
  • I was the general manager of a weekly community newspaper until ....
  • On Nov. 12 / 2009, I woke up and got ready for work as usual but my husband, Tom, said "Something is definitely wrong. The left side of your face isn't working right either."
  • Tom took me to the ER and I learned much later about my condition and how to walk with a quad-cane.
  • The end of December at home, I started Physical Therapy (PT) every morning with a combination of range-of-motion and strength-building exercises.
  • Soon I also learned what compassionate, supportive friends and family I have - everyone I know stepped up to help me through the ordeal.
  • I have a wonderful, interesting husband and two grown children and we live in a lovely old historic house in Gloucester, a house that requires endless improvements, but is well worth the effort.
  • More details about my recovery see Barb's Recovery.



Guest Blogger - Jo Murphey
Jo Murphey
The Murphey Saga
  • I am Jo Murphey. I live in the Golden Isles of Georgia.
  • I write a blog titled, The Murphey Saga for writers and independent authors which now includes a weekly segment on Sundays about my stroke survival and recovery.
  • I had an ischemic stroke May 2012. Right-sided hemiplegia and some aphasia. The aphasia is a kicker for a writer.
  • My overall motto is: "Today is not just another day.  Today I will create something beautiful." 
  • Up until my stroke, I was a free-lance writer, author, and minister. I'm married to a terminally ill husband who is also my soul mate with four children, and eight grandchildren. 
  • I spend a big chunk of my free time helping other writers accomplish their dreams of becoming published authors and working towards my own recovery. Now, I'm a struggling writer with the emphasis on struggling.
  • Please read more details: Biography of Jo Murphey.
Guest Blogger - Peter G. Levine
Peter G Levine
The Stroke Recovery Blog
Guest Blogger - Andrea
Andrea
A Year of Living In My Head
  • In July of 2011 I had a stroke. In November they found a head tumour. How I manage doctors, family, friends, and my kids without coming undone.
  • Click on my two blogs:
    • A Year of Living In My Head - A blog about mortality and the mental gymnastics I do to ignore it (shall we say that will not be a winning battle), 
    • Blue Shoe Farm - is a bit-o-everything. I ramble on about maintaining our old 1904 farmhouse, three'ish' acres, job, life stuff, chickens, kids, truths and untruths. We changed homes and moved from the city to the country (well sort of... three acres.) Bought a tall old farmhouse. Stories of that house, maintenance, horses, chickens, family, friends... or whatever I am getting feisty about at the moment -- you can find here.
  • In SSTattler, mostly I will write in A Year of Living In My Head and maybe Blue Shoe Farm.
  • My kids determine my life plan and focus, our house/property/animals determine where my money goes.
  • Love working, a bit giddy, hate meetings, might be a bit stubborn, endlessly curious.
  • Liviing in Kitsap Co., WA

Guest Blogger - Grace Carpenter
Grace Carpenter
My Happy Stroke
  • On February 2, 2010, I had a stroke when I was 45.
  • The origins of my brain hemorrhage are a mystery. 
  • I have two children, who were 4 and 7 at the time, a wonderful husband, and a great nuclear and extended family. 
  • Some say I was a little happier after my stroke. 
  • Having a stroke is no fun, but the parade of family and friends has kept me going.
  • Please read my blog: My Happy Stroke.






Guest Blogger - Jeff Porter
Jeff Porter
Stroke of Faith
  • My own stroke came on May 8, 1998. A colleague and I, both newspaper reporters, were digging through documents in a semi-hostile government office in Arkansas. I suddenly lost the ability to speak and movement on the right side of my body. My right hand fell limp. I could not stand.
  • Thanks to the doctors and nurses, a drug called tissue plasminogen activator cleared the clot. Thanks to my wife, colleagues, fellow believers, and a speech therapist, I regained my ability to speak and, eventually, write.
  • I live in Columbia, Missouri, United States.
  • Would gladly accept suggestions, questions, comments. E-mail: jeff.porter (at) gmail.com and read my site: Stroke Of Faith.



Guest Blogger - Rebecca Dutton
Rebecca Dutton
Home After a Stroke
  • I am an occupational therapist (OT) who specialized in stroke rehab. I continued my education by having a stroke in 2004 that paralyzed my dominant right side and impaired my balance.  
  • I live alone so I am both the caregiver and the stroke survivor.   
  • My non-dominant left hand got good at typing one-handed on the computer.  Hundreds of practical solutions later I realized I had written a book called My Last Degree: A Therapist Goes Home After a Stroke.  
  • My sense of purpose continued to grow as I developed Power Point presentations for stroke survivor support groups, rehab professionals, and OT students.  
  • I live in New Jersey, U.S.A. You can e-mail me at homeafterastroke3@verizon.net or Tweet me @RebeccadEDutton or you can see my site Home After a Stroke.

Guest Blogger - Amy Shissler
Amy Shissler
My Cerebellar Stroke Recovery
  • I used to be a physical therapist, well, I guess I still am but I identify myself as a stroke survivor.
  • In 2011, I had a massive stroke at the age of 30.
  • It’s a lot more common for a young person to have a stroke than anyone thinks.  I could’ve taken a continuing education course about strokes but I decided to have one instead.  I’m getting a much better education this way.
  • Previously I worked for Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services.
  • Arcadia University, Doctor of Physical Therapy - 2004–2007.
  • James Madison University, BS Kinesiology and Exercise Science - 2001–2003.
  • Now I am Blogger - a site about recovering from my stroke, with all kinds of useful tips and explanations from my physical therapy days.
  • Please see my site My Cerebellar Stroke Recovery. 



Guest Blogger - Robin
Robin
Rocky Mountain Stroke Survivor
  • Little did I know when my husband took this photo of my two children and I a few days before Christmas in 2012 that the new year would bring something none of us were expecting: a stroke.
  • As a 31 year old mother of two small children, I struggled to come to terms with my new life and how it affected my family.  
  • Like many others have done when confronted by a major life event, I started writing about it.  When I could do nothing else, I kept typing.  
  • And I discovered that I wasn’t alone.  There is a whole community of stroke bloggers.
  • And then the Rocky Mountain Stroke Center, where I have received most of my therapy, discovered my writing and asked me to write for them.  
  • This blog expresses my views only. The Rocky Mountain Stroke Center has never been involved in the content.  
  • This blog is also not intended to provide medical advice of any sort.  I am simply writing about my own experiences and those of other stroke survivors in the hopes that others will benefit from reading it as much as I have from writing it.
  • I was and is a Family Physician but see Before the Stroke ...
  • Please see my blog Rocky Mountain Stroke Survivor.



Guest Blogger - Molly Clarke
Molly Clarke
Social Security Disability Help
  • I write for Social Security Disability Help in the U.S.A., a site that works to promote disability awareness and assist those throughout the Social Security Disability application process.  
  • S.S.D.H. offers a host of informational resources including an interactive disability forum, how-to’s, a Social Security Disability glossary and answers to frequently asked questions. 
  • I'm a blogger who regularly cover issues that provides some tips on how to navigate the system.
  • Please read my blog Social Security Disability Help or contact me at mac@ssd-help.org.





Guest Blogger - Pamela Hsieh
Pamela Hsieh
StrokedUP
  • Pamela Hsieh is an entrepreneur and writer.
  • She was nineteen when she suffered a stroke from a cerebral hemorrhage in her right frontal lobe. It paralyzed the left side of her body, but fortunately did not permanently affect her cognition. 
  • Since her brain injury, she has lived abroad (in Florence, Italy, and again in Bologna, Italy) twice for about ten months at a time, and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which luckily is the United States’ most disability-accessible university, in May 2009, seven years after her enrolment. 
  • She has a bachelor’s degree in Italian Studies and Rhetoric (creative writing). It is her strong belief that healing and recuperation from the effects of brain injury are the result of one’s drive, that the body is a beautiful, dynamic organism with endless possibilities.
  • If you have remarkable story of injury and healing to share and would like to help me in this movement as a coauthor, or if you'd like to submit a guest article, please let Pamela know. My site, StrokedUP, welcomes a diversity of viewpoints on the subjects of well being and awareness.
  • StrokedUP is constantly a work in progress, but please leave comments if you ever have anything to say or ask! It is StrokedUP’s goal to inspire lively conversation between healers, patients, caregivers, and anyone who supports what we do. Together, let’s develop a community.




Guest Blogger - Richard (Dick) L. Burns
Richard (Dick) L. Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck
  • Dick Burns is a retired television and advertising man the one who put the smile on the PSA airplanes and helped engineer a cultural icon, the Fruit of the Loom Guys.
  • He is recognized nationally as an authority on retail marketing through broadcast advertising. 
  • He is the author of business articles and newspaper columns. 
  • A graduate of Stanford University, he suffered a massive stroke at age 38 and was not expected to live. 
  • He lives in central California where he is active in many organizations and is an avid golfer.
  • His book site, Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck, and it is available in Amazon. 
  • See his blog site, Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck on the internet.

Guest Blogger - Kate Allatt
Kate Allatt
Stroke Recovery Tips
  • Kate Allatt is ‘Extraordinary Woman of Year 2011’ who survived a devastating brainstem stroke with locked in syndrome at the age of 39.
  • She founded Fighting Strokes site and has written two books to date – Running Free & Gonna Fly Now! (Amazon). 
  • Kate is an inspirational speaker, national advocate for anyone affected by stroke. 
  • Her charity has just become a member of the prestigious UK Stroke Forum. 
  • She is currently involved in various research projects to improve the improvement progress for all stroke survivors. 
  • Her own stroke highs & lows blog – Stroke Recovery Tips !!

Guest Blogger - Joyce Hoffman
Joyce Hoffman
The Tales of a Stroke Patient
and Far Beyond



Guest Blogger - Bill (William) Yates, M.D.
Bill (William) Yates, M.D.
Brain Post
  • Translating Neuroscience Research into Advances for Better Care of Brain Disorders. 
  • Physician, Writer and Bird Photographer.
  • Works at Laureate Institute for Brain Research:
    • Research Psychiatrist, 1998 - present,
    • Providing locum tenens psychiatric clinical and research services.
  • Previous - Professor of Psychiatry:
    • University of Iowa College of Medicine,
    • University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.
  • Education:
    • University of Iowa, 
    • University of Nebraska College of Medicine, 
    • University of Iowa Graduate School.
  • Lives in Tulsa, OK.
  • Bragging Rights - Ranked #6 in the world in neuroscience influence on Twitter via wefollow.com.
  • Follow me on Twitter at @WRY999 (www.twitter.com/WRY999).
  • Blog is located at Brain Post (brainposts.blogspot.com).
  • Email at WRY888[at]gmail.com.


Guest Blogger - Steven H. Cornelius
Steven H. Cornelius
Music and Stroke
  • Mostly I have worked as a music professor
    • University of Massachusetts Boston
      (Lecturer, 2012-)
    • Boston University (Visiting Prof., 2008-2012)
    • Bowling Green State University (Prof., 1991-2008)
    • Bruckner-Konservatorium Linz (adjunct faculty, 1992-1997)
    • Pine Manor College (Asst. Prof., 1989-1991)
    • University of Wisconsin-Madison (Instructor of Percussion, 1984-86)
  • In addition to teaching at the college level, during the 2013-14 academic year I served as a Scholar in Residence at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA.
  • From 1996 to 2006 I served as music and dance critic for The Blade, Toledo, Ohio’s daily newspaper.
  • My major publications include:
    • Music: A Social Experience (co-authored with Mary Natvig) (Pearson 2011)
    • Music of the Civil War Era (Greenwood Press, 2004) and 
    • The Music of SanterĂ­a: Traditional Rhythms of the BatĂ¡ Drums (co-authored with John Amira) (White Cliffs Media, 1991).
  • Please look at my blog site - Music and Stroke. 

Guest Blogger - Dan Zimmerman
Dan Zimmerman
Spokes Fighting Strokes
  • Dan Zimmerman had HHT (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia), a disease in which the lungs fail to filter clots efficiently.
  • Dan had the first of periodic surgeries to treat his HHT and graduated from Sussex Hamilton High School in 1982.
  • His woodworking equipment to start his own cabinet and furniture-making business in 1985 in Fountain Hills AZ. 
  • In 2005, at age 41, Dan suffered a stroke that paralyzed his right arm and leg and damaged the left side of his brain. He decided to shut down his woodworking business and concentrate on recovery.
  • Dan first tricycles were too heavy but offered him the "freedom, plain and simple". He bought a lightweight recumbent trike in 2009 and began riding with the "Bent Riders of Arizona" on weekly rides and weekend tours. 
  • Cycling, Dan says, has improved his health and more importantly, given him a purpose in life and he wants to raise awareness of HHT. He also wants to raise awareness of stroke prevention and inspire other stroke survivors to fight back against the disease.
  • See DanTrikeMan -- Spokes Fighting Strokes.


 Guest Blogger - Susan Ehler
  • Susan Ehler
    Stroke Class with Susan
     Susan Ehler     is a Physiotherapist with over 25 years experience working with individuals with neurological disorders with a special interest in stroke survivors. Susan started a community-based exercise program over 20 years ago.
  • This program has grown over the years and has been able to meet the needs of many different levels of stroke survivors. One of the main goals of the program has been to strive to increase class accessibility to as many people as possible.
  • She is a guest lecturer at Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Community College.
  • “Research shows that exercise is an important part of stroke recovery, so StrokeClass.com is merely a tool to help as many people as possible live a full life after a stroke”
  • See Susan Ehler -- Stroke Class with Susan.
    •  


Guest Blogger - Ramon Florendo
Ramon Florendo
Life after a “STROKE"
  • Born in the Philippines.
  • Migrated to Canada in November 1987.
  • Experienced mostly in sales and small business.
  • 37 years married to a beautiful wife Norma.
  • 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls) / 5 grand kids and coming…
  • Suffered two strokes in November 2007 and  August 2012.
  • Advocacy – To inspire and motivate stroke survivors and other individuals suffering from some other chronic or debilitating sickness.
  • Look at my website: Life after a “STROKE”





Guest Blogger - Robert McMechan & Allison Woyiwada
Robert McMechan &
Allison Woyiwada
Allison's Brain
  • Robert McMechan is a tax lawyer in Ottawa, Ontario. 
  • He has a Ph.D. in tax law from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University in 2012. 
  • Robert is an avid long distance runner, completed 25 marathons, organizes / participates in a Canada-U.S. team that competes in 200 mile relays in Canada and the U.S. 
  • He is also a cyclist, swimmer, triathlete, and Ironman.
  • Allison Woyiwada had a 28 year career as a music teacher.
  • She has performed / directed musical productions for over 30 years and has written 14 children’s musicals.
  • Allison recipient of the Whitton Award (1993), Arts Advisory Award (1997), Community Builder Award (2000), Hopewell School Music and Drama Award (2006), Capital Critics Circle Award as Best Director (2006-2007) and a Lifetime Achievement Award (2008).
  • A wing of the Hopewell Avenue Public School was dedicated on her Allison retirement.
  • She is advised in 2011 that she had a “giant” brain aneurysm, after experiencing olfactory hallucinations. 
  • In a twelve hour operation the aneurysm was “clipped” and following surgery Allison had severe cognitive and physical deficits.
  • Today she has a remarkable recovery. 
  • See the book Allison’s Brain (from PayPal or Amazon.com or FriesenPress.com).
  •  For more information look at the website Allison's Brain.



Guest Blogger - Sas Freeman
Sas Freeman
  • My name is Sas Freeman; stroke survivor, author, artist and mentor.
  • I previously worked as a photographic model, on television and in films. 
  • I have now become an artist using my non-dominant hand following my strokes.
  • I have sold oil paintings which hang in private homes in various parts of the world and work is also on display in several galleries in the UK. I have donated several pictures for charity.
  • I had my water colours turned into cards and sold them in aid of a local stroke group, to help fellow survivors. 
  • I am part of a regional Health Focus Group, created to raise awareness and funding for the Functional Electronic Stimulator and Selly Oak Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, which treats people across the UK.
  • In 2013, I was given the Courage Award from the Stroke Association.
  • My Mission Statement is that: "I believe I was given a choice: either to continue in this blissful state from which there would be no return, or, return and write about my recovery, helping other stroke survivors and their families.”
  • Look at my book Two Strokes NOT OUT and visit my blog Sas Freeman.


Guest Blogger - Alex & Jessica & Juli & Marc
Alex & Jessica & Juli & Marc
A Stroke of Luck
  • At a critical juncture during brain surgery, Alex Dixon, age 12, had a stroke. 
  • Sharing Alex’s story has been a tremendous way for us to reflect on and heal from the things we have been through.
  • We have been fortunate to connect with people of all ages and walks of life who have been moved by our story, as well as those who have incredible stories of their own.
  • Alex and Jessica keep busy with school and activities, but as a family we love to make time for sailing on our boat, Absolute Value.
  • Mother, Juli, travel quite a bit for my career as a math educator, but home base is Central Florida.
  • Marc, an engineer at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and Panda, our beloved Havanese.
  • If you wish to get in touch with me, Jessica, or Alex Dixon please send a message to: Juli Dixon or look at our book A Stroke of Luck: A Girl's Second Chance of Life.
  • Please see our site, A Stroke of Luck.




SSTattler Blogger - Tim Seefeldt
Tim Seefeldt
Brain Food Cafe for the Mind
  • I am a newspaper reporter by trade, born and raised in Alberta, Canada.
  • My old life ended early on the morning of Monday, March 15, 2010. I woke up that morning -- the first day after a long business road trip – tired and groggy, but otherwise fine.
  • I figured a shower would shake off the cob-webs. But my right side wasn’t cooperating. I couldn’t make my right leg work like it was supposed to, and being half blind wasn’t helping either. Never mind the confusion. 
  • My wife heard me bang and crash my way down-stairs. She looked scared. I remember her saying that she was going to call an ambulance. When I didn’t argue, she looked even more frightened.
  • These were the first moments of my new life. I was only 45 and the sole bread earner for my wife Patricia and my daughters, Kristina and Anna, who were 16 and 13 at the time my brain decided to short circuit.
  • I found out later that I’d had a large left posterior cerebral artery territory infarct. While that, like much else, made no sense to me.
  • It was shocking, I was an ex-newspaper reporter with designs on writing a book one day. Now, in a flash, I couldn’t read or write.
  • Five years later, I still have deficits like not being able to read at even close to normal speed. My brain just can’t recognize words the way it used to.
  • But I’m able to work and live a meaningful life and function as an active father and husband. I learned to manage stress differently - giving myself more work-life balance - to keep my general health in check. Now, when I’m stressed, if I get a head ache or feel pushed, I slow down - take a walk, or whatever I can do to stay calm..
  • Please look at my blog site - Brain Food Cafe for the Mind.



SSTattler Blogger - Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Thankful for Every Day!
  • I originally started in my blog, Thankful for Every Day!, in November 2010 just prior to having a major brain surgery to remove a large bleeding cavernous angioma from a deep part of my brain. 
  • You can best understand the gravity of our experience by reading the first several entries.
    • Nov 2010-Dec 2010 - I wrote the first one and my sweet, adoring husband, John, wrote the next several (while I was too sick to do much of anything) that documented surgery, immediate recovery, and our reaction to the surgery complication that was revealed 2 days after surgery. 
    • This recovery process has been difficult but we are making it. 
  • We appreciate all the kind words of encouragement we have received and we would like to thank everyone that has participated in helping us along this difficult journey. 
  • Please ask a real professional, or probably several. :) I hope to be able to help at least one person along the challenging road of brain surgery and recovery. 
  • Also, if you have any questions about my personal experience, please leave them as a comment or contact me directly at thankfulforeveryday@yahoo.com and I will respond although I am not a doctor and this is not a replacement for medical care or advise. 
  • Please see my site of course - Thankful for Every Day!



SSTattler Blogger - Diana Smith
Diana Smith
Beyond Reality
  • This is my first ever blog... a lot has changed over the last 4 years.
  • I am a young over 50 year old single woman recovering from a stroke. 
  • I can be cynical, insightful, and at times just simple.
  • I learned how to walk again, and now progressed to seldom having to use a cane and or AFO.
  • My left arm was also paralyzed from the stroke. I am working on getting use of my left arm and hand back. 
  • I also am rethinking my whole life, since losing my job and dream (at least rehabbing to dream) home.
  • I am a grandma now, and will be double grandma soon.
  • Please see my site, Beyond Reality just another day searching for the better life.



SSTattler Blogger - Leslie H
    Leslie
    Living After Stroke
  • This blog is about:
  • Regaining control over a life destroyed by a cataclysmic event – a massive stroke,
  • Rebirth – The stroke was earth-shattering and destroyed 90% of who I thought I was,
  • Discovering who I can be by redefining who I am, while learning to live with and adjusting to the many deficits the Damn Stroke gave me,
  • Being extremely Proactive, stroke recovery is a self-service affair,
  • Perseverance,
  • Hope & Belief,
  • Bottom line, this blog is about finding and using the resources necessary to overcome our obstacles and create a life worth living.
  • Please look at my site - Living After Stroke and contact me at leslie@livingafterstroke.com.



SSTattler Blogger - Bethany Sinfield
Beth Sinfield
Beth’s Story
  • I suffered a brainstem stroke in 2012 at the age of 17.
  • It resulted in me having ‘locked-in’ syndrome.
  • I had a hole in my heart and I was on the contraceptive pill (women beware!) that caused my stroke.
  • I spent 10 months in hospital and I learnt to walk, talk and eat again.
  • Three years later, I am now driving and studying my A Levels again at college.
  • I raise awareness of young stroke and A&E misdiagnosis.
  • I have won a Young Person Of the Year award for my achievements.
  • Please look at my site, Beth’s Story.
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