A Place for Us: The magic of community for stroke survivors in Jamaica

22 Nov 2023 Stroke support

We hear from the Jamaica Stroke Alliance about the new Stroke Support Group, an exciting initiative for the stroke community in Jamaica.

The Jamaica Stroke Alliance (JSA) held its first Stroke Support Group meeting on November 4, 2023, at the University of the West Indies. What a morning it was! There were over 60 people gathered in fellowship, to learn, to inspire and to be inspired. The gathering consisted of stroke survivors, caregivers, and friends. You could feel the anticipation in the air as participants greeted each other and settled down for this first of its kind session.

You see, this is our reality as a nation: cerebrovascular disease, which includes stroke, hypertension, and heart disease, is the leading cause of both morbidity and mortality in Jamaica (Vision 2030 Jamaican National Development Plan). As such, many Jamaicans have either experienced a stroke or have a family member that has been affected by a stroke and are now involved in their long-term care.

The JSA was formed in recognition of this, by a group of people interested in and passionate about preventing the occurrence of strokes and ensuring that when a stroke does occur, the individual can experience the optimal outcome.

The JSA’s focus is on providing education and awareness around stroke prevention and the importance of seeking care quickly once someone has experienced a stroke. Other key activities of JSA are to advocate for strengthening of services for stroke treatment and care and support for those affected by a stroke.

The inaugural session of the Stroke Support Group was a fantastic start to what will be the formation of community for stroke survivors and their family and carers.

Jonathon Burke, himself a stroke survivor and one of the organizers of the support group, said “I remember when playing any particular sport, it was relatively easy to become an average player. However, to progress to become any good, would take a great deal of consistent practice and coaching. Trying to improve just on one’s own was nigh impossible. It requires constant discipline and the expertise of a professional coach. Sometimes one may need to change one’s coach to achieve different results. I don’t know, maybe it is the same with surviving a stroke. I see the Stroke Survivor Support Group becoming a surrogate family of sort, that not only cares but takes an active interest in our recovery through involvement.”

This Community will be a lifeline to stroke survivors. There is nothing like being with others who simply “get it”, who understand the anger, the despair, the fear, the resolve, the uncertainty, the hope, and the faith that stroke survivors face every day.

The keynote speaker of the day, Dr. Dennis Edwards, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, chose a most relevant topic for presentation and discussion: “Normalizing Emotions after Brain/Stroke Injury.” This topic resonated with the participants. Every survivor who shared spoke to the power of their own minds in their recovery journeys. It was inspirational to hear their stories of finding purpose and strength they did not know they had post-stroke.

JSA Director and founder Hilary Wehby, herself a stroke survivor who has found renewed purpose by using her connections and resources to provide this lifeline to her fellow Jamaicans, sharing enthusiastically her vision for the community and future interactions with plans for outings, parties and networking.

Tanasha Salmon, a stroke survivor shared this about the Support Group: “Stroke support is vital to me because it offers a secure and empathetic setting. Observing the advancements and successes of my fellow group members provides me with inspiration and motivation as I continue my journey. Obtaining pragmatic guidance regarding the modification of living quarters, and the identification of easily accessible resources has contributed to the enhancement of my overall well-being. The insights provided by Dr. Edwards have helped both my spouse and I understand better certain emotions I was experiencing that were previously inexplicable (e.g., easily crying, and laughing at things that are not funny to others). I have also made some new acquaintances, and I eagerly anticipate the social interactions that lie ahead.”

Joy Tracy, Stroke Survivor echoed Tanasha’s sentiments: “Sharing similar problems helps me to learn to live with the changes. I can share concerns with other stroke survivors who get it. I also welcome exercise tips to help me on my road to recovery.”

Jennifer Ellis, Stroke Survivor was hopeful: “The stroke support group will allow me to meet survivors who will inspire me and who I might inspire, and hopefully show me what’s possible. I’ll also have an opportunity to meet people and socialize. I look forward to learning and to having fun.

The JSA Stroke Support Group is grateful to the sponsors who came onboard with enthusiastic support. The gathering was treated to healthy, tasty snacks courtesy Grace Foods Ltd. Their donation of lovely gift baskets incentivized participation and enlivened the proceedings. Food For the Poor, Jamaica has pledged to partner with the JSA in mobilizing resources. They pledged to provide support in the provision of supportive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes and donations of medical supplies such as adult diapers.

Finally, a safe space, education and encouragement, and a supportive community for stroke survivors and their families and friends: The JSA Stroke Support Group. Onward!

Author: Kelly McIntosh, JSA supporter.

Connect with the JSA here:

Jonathon Burke

Dr Dennis Edwards

Hilary Wehby

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