Debra Zeitlin, M.S. , CCC Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

In July, I crossed the country: Los Angeles to New York on one of my many, yet to come, trips around the country. My mission is to bring Hope to stroke survivors and their caregivers, wherever I go. So I was thrilled to visit three sites in New York and meet some of the greatest people running cutting edge programs for stroke survivors and their caregivers.

First stop: the tiny, bucolic, and densely green lush lovely Shelter Island. There I met Laurie Fanelli, a facilitator, at the senior center where they provide education, medical treatments, and community support. In this tiny town, community support means everything and the deep caring relationships were evident in the way they looked out for one another.

Stop two: SUNY School of Optometry, Manhattan.  There I met Marion, the social worker, who runs a unique program.  A couple of times a year they hold a multi-week deep dive, for stroke survivors and those with traumatic brain injuries. SUNY’s program helps address so many of the visual impairments many stroke survivors deal with in addition to the social and emotional aspects of recovery.

Stop three: Mt. Sinai Hospital, Manhattan. The Mount Sinai Stroke Centers are dedicated to providing world-class care for both the treatment and prevention of stroke and other cardiovascular disorders. It is now a comprehensive stroke center certified by the Joint Commission, making it the first hospital in New York State with this honor. Debra was enthused to share Hope After Stroke with her staff and patients.

One thing I know for sure, regardless of where in the world one lives, all stroke survivors and their caregivers need one thing most of all…

HOPE

Hope is the fuel of recovery…. Action is the Vehicle

I’ll keep crossing the country, connecting and urging all stroke survivors, their caregivers and families to 

KEEP GOING