.::: STROKE OF HOPE :::.

Participate in the tradition of giving by making a much-appreciated contribution.

Strokes of Hope... explanation of the logo

Our strokes are crossed in the passion of purple and the golden light of HOPE.

The sun provides light, warmth, regeneration and healing. It dispels the darkness and shines a path before us so that we can go forth with courage and faith as we forge the path to recovery. We can't give up!

-- Hazella

The Ripple Effect - explanation of the inset picture on the home page

When stroke touches a single life it also has a ripple effect. It touches every other life that's connected to it in any way. Just as a single drop of water creates a ripple in a pool, if we have enough patience, faith and HOPE, the waters slowly become calm again and we are able to see our reflection come into focus more clearly.

-- Hazella

Stroke of Hope is a not-for-profit organization

Our Mission:

STROKE OF HOPE FOUNDATION is an organization committed to improving quality of life for people by creating stroke awareness, promoting prevention and providing support for stroke survivors, their care partners and families by encouraging physical and emotional recovery, and maintaining an on-line support system. It is our firm belief that the level of recovery for all concerned is largely contingent upon attitude, adjustment and tenacity. Survival is just the beginning. We want to help you reach far beyond that.

Our Network:

This is a place where you can feel safe. You're among people who can relate to you because we're all looking for peace that will comfort us, solutions that will help us and HOPE to keep us growing stronger. If you're looking for simple answers, we want to give them to you in terms you understand.
We have a dynamic Medical Advisory Team to offer you both basic information and cutting edge knowledge. Our message boards are provided for your privacy and convenience to interact with other Survivors, Care Partners and friends with anonymity.
We want you to know that there are many others that share your concerns, your frustrations and your needs. We welcome your communication.
This is YOUR website!

About Stroke of Hope

Stroke of Hope was born from a Stroke Survivor's vision of commitment and dedication to helping others find a support system that comforts, inspires, motivates and ultimately improves their quality of life.

Her name is HAZELLA ROLLINS-LAVAR.

She was an active professional opera singer, wife and new mother to a 12-day old infant when she suffered a dissection of the left brain-stem artery, leaving her partially paralyzed and unable to walk, talk or swallow. There were massive complications that required life-support and a lengthy hospital stay. Upon discharge, she went to Florida for rehabilitation which included multiple therapies, being fed and medicated through a gastrointestinal tube for 9 months and slowly regaining the strength to stand, walk and use her limbs functionally. During her rehab she was homebound and felt extremely isolated, frustrated, and depressed. When her insurance company determined that she was no longer eligible for therapies, she could easily have given up and accepted that her condition would not improve. Instead, she found the resolve to self-motivate and convince the therapists that she could get better, AND SHE DID!

After obtaining certification as a Personal Fitness Trainer specialized in Stroke Survivors, word spread quickly and the demand for her services and encouragement grew. She searched for a vehicle that would allow her to reach as many people as possible and found her opportunity via the Internet. She quickly attracted some of the most highly regarded medical professionals, fellow Survivors and friends who share her vision which has ultimately evolved into a non-profit Foundation focusing primarily on personal attention to individuals in need of HOPE, regardless of their age, race or financial condition.

Stroke of Hope's mission is to provide support by advocating for the rights of the disabled, encouraging physical and emotional recovery and maintaining an on-line support system. Simplicity, honesty, and a sincere desire to encourage stimulation of basic human contact sets Stroke of Hope apart from any existing stroke organization. Research, awareness and prevention are definitely needed to lower the numbers of those at risk for stroke, but Stroke of Hope provides the missing component: a community committed to helping others get better, led by a Survivor who has.