COMMUNITY CONTINUES BEYOND THE WALLS

Recovery continues beyond rehab — and community continues beyond walls.

A Message to Our Stroke Life Center Community

Since the May 13 electrical fire on the floor below the Stroke Life Center at Mercy College of Ohio, our community has continued to demonstrate the resilience, compassion, and connection that define who we are.

While remediation efforts and smoke cleanup continue within the building, the Stroke Life Center remains temporarily displaced from our physical space as we await guidance regarding reoccupancy.

Most importantly, our mission continues.

Our virtual survivor support group remains active through Zoom, monthly dinner outings continue to bring members together, and we are currently exploring opportunities for off-site speech therapy programming and virtual chair yoga classes to help maintain connection and engagement during this transition.

We are also actively working alongside our partners at Mercy Health to identify temporary space options for programs and activities while remediation efforts continue.

In addition, several rehabilitation and community organizations have already reached out offering temporary space and support — a beautiful reminder of how deeply this community cares about stroke survivors and caregivers. The outpouring of encouragement, flexibility, and collaboration has been incredibly meaningful to our team and members alike.

While disruptions to routine can be difficult for survivors and caregivers, this season has also reminded us that the Stroke Life Center has always been more than a physical location. It is a community built on encouragement, understanding, hope, and shared experiences.

“The Stroke Life Center has always been more than a physical location.”

We will continue sharing updates as additional information becomes available regarding temporary programming space and future reopening plans.

Until then, thank you for continuing to walk this journey together with us.

Survivor Stories That Inspire Hope

In May, the Stroke Life Center proudly launched a new survivor story series in partnership with 13abc — sharing the real-life journeys, challenges, and triumphs of stroke survivors in our community.

The first segment aired on May 15 and beautifully highlighted what so many survivors and caregivers already know: recovery does not end when rehabilitation ends.

Every survivor’s journey is unique. Some stories are about rebuilding independence. Others focus on regaining confidence, rediscovering passions, reconnecting socially, or simply learning to navigate life differently after stroke.

But every story carries the power to inspire hope.

Through this partnership, we hope to raise awareness about the ongoing realities of stroke recovery while reminding survivors and caregivers throughout our region that they are not alone.

These stories are not simply about overcoming obstacles — they are about resilience, courage, community, and the possibility of thriving after stroke.

We invite you to watch and share the first story as we continue rolling out additional survivor features throughout the year.

Thriving Like a Star 2026

Every Step Has a Story

Momentum is already beginning to build for the Stroke Life Center’s signature annual gala:

Thriving Like a Star 2026

Thursday, November 5, 2026

This year’s theme — Every Step Has a Story — will celebrate the journeys of stroke survivors, caregivers, community champions, and the stories that connect us all.

In the months ahead, the Stroke Life Center will begin sharing the “why” behind our celebrity dancers, meaningful survivor stories, and the community partnerships helping ensure our programs remain available at no cost to survivors and caregivers.

“Together, we are building more than an event — we are building hope, visibility, and community.”

As planning continues, we are currently seeking:

• Community Partners

• Silent Auction Donations

• Program Spotlight Advertisers

• Community Champions who want to support the mission

Every community partnership helps support programs that provide connection, encouragement, and continued recovery opportunities for stroke survivors and caregivers long after rehabilitation ends.

If you or your organization would like to become part of this inspiring evening, we would love to connect with you.

For partnership opportunities, please contact:

Lisa Humphrey
lisah@strokelifecenter.org

From Recovery to Adventure

On May 28, several members of the Stroke Life Center community will embark on an Alaskan cruise organized through Vacation Daze — and we could not be more excited for them.

Moments like these serve as powerful reminders that life after stroke can still be filled with adventure, friendship, laughter, and meaningful new experiences.

At the Stroke Life Center, recovery has always been about more than therapy sessions and appointments. It is about rebuilding confidence, creating connections, and continuing to embrace life beyond the challenges of stroke.

We love seeing the friendships formed through the center continue far beyond weekly meetings and programs — sometimes all the way to Alaska.

We wish everyone safe travels, unforgettable memories, and plenty of breathtaking scenery along the way.

Summer Wellness Reminder for Stroke Survivors

As warmer temperatures arrive, it’s important for stroke survivors and caregivers to prioritize hydration, rest, and heat safety.

Hot weather can sometimes increase fatigue, dizziness, or dehydration — especially for individuals managing medications or mobility challenges.

A few simple reminders for summer wellness:

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

• Take breaks during outdoor activities

• Dress in lightweight clothing

• Avoid prolonged heat exposure

• Continue staying socially connected

Recovery thrives in community.

We are incredibly grateful to our survivors, caregivers, volunteers, partners, and supporters for continuing to stand beside the Stroke Life Center during this temporary transition.

Special thanks to Mercy Health and the many rehabilitation and community organizations that have offered encouragement, support, and assistance during this time.

Because of this community, hope continues. Recovery continues. And no survivor or caregiver has to walk this journey alone.

strokelifecenter.org

No fees. No barriers. Just support.