It's Us Against The World


We're not in a battle against the world but the world in general is designed for so called "normal folk", that is people without any challenges
Having a stroke while not exclusionary in the world of disabilities certainly qualifies as one of the most prevalent.

Every 3 seconds someone in the world has their first stroke.
In the developed countries stroke is the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer.
Stroke is the number one leading cause of permanent disability.
It is not necessary to list all the various ways in which we are separated from the main stream day to day activities of our society.
You are well aware of the trials that we face on a daily basis.

Heart disease and cancer statistically kill more people but in many instances people with these two dreaded diseases can resume somewhat normal lives through the advances in medicine and lifestyle changes.

We stroke survivors in most cases are not as fortunate.
In addition to dealing with the effects of our strokes, we also are left to deal with the same and often time more physical ailments as our  cancer and heart disease brothers and sisters.

While not intending to make this sound like a woe is our plight article,
we not only have to deal with things like paralysis, loss of speech, blindness, blood clotting disorders,  broken relationships, our livelihoods, financial ruin and shattered dreams, but also we need to try and make sense of a fractured world with a myriad of mental, emotional and cognitive issues that we did not have before we were struck with the fateful stroke monster.

What do we do? How do we do it? Initially we are left to find the answers from those who have never experienced anything even remotely resembling such an affliction. Oh sure, doctors and other medical professionals have been trained in how to treat stroke patients, at least some have anyway, but they can never fully understand.

If we are fortunate enough to make the transition from patient and if we are fortunate to have access to some local or online support, only then are we able share our experiences with others who have gone through similar experiences.

For this reason we need to unite and support each other. It saddens me when I see or hear of stroke support groups at odds or competing with each other. As if our life isn't tough enough, some find it necessary to attack each other.

Personally, I think that it is usually based on misunderstanding or communication breakdown. But isn't that usually the case in life in general?

Anyway for this reason we need to ban together to become a foundation of support for each other.

We need to be a beacon of light attracting those who are lost and are searching for any semblance of normalcy in a crazy and even more confused world.

We at Strokes Suck have perpetuated that culture of cooperation since our inception. Heck we even have our own lingo in words like strokie(s) and terms like re-birthdays in place of anniversary dates.

We have been and intend to be a place for all survivors, caregivers, and supporters to Give, Help and Inspire.

Bob Miller
Strokes Suck
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