Care Partner of the Month-
January / February 2005


Maxine Smith-Pendarvis
Mount Vernon, NY

Our feature Care Partner, Maxine Smith-Pendarvis, returns to the spotlight from the 2004 Gallery archives for July/August. You should take the time to read the original gallery story and then read the following update below. She is living proof that as one season passes, another begins. It also speaks as living testimony for Stroke of Hope as an effective support vehicle.

Maxine says:

"It is almost a year ago, that the course of my life as I knew it changed dramatically. Eugene and I were newlyweds, married eleven months. We had exciting plans to relocate to our newly built home in Florida when adversity struck. My husband, age 56, had a stroke that kept him in the hospital setting for six months. Two months later his identical twin brother, Earl, also had a stroke.

Since then, I have become care partner for them both. It is an awesome task, oftentimes overwhelming, but made easier by my deepening faith, the steadfast support of family, friends and Stroke of Hope. The reward I personally receive is so great, especially when I see the progress and remarkable recovery of them both. I have been significantly educated about the human body and its ability to respond and renew.

Gene's stroke was so severe he was not expected to survive. I was told that chances of his being able to sit up by himself unattended, get movements back on the left side of his body, being able to stand or walk again were not to be expected. However through therapy, hard work and undaunted determination, Gene is able to do all the above, except as he says "I'm not walking yet, but soon."

Earl, who has aphasia, was unable to speak at all three months ago when he was featured with Gene as Survivor of the Month. Now he can be heard to say proudly "I'm speaking and doing better." Their determination for complete recovery has not waned. They are truly admirable stroke survivors who have demonstrated the power of the human spirit. My interactions with them have not only strengthened but also enlightened me to give hope and encouragement to other care partners and stroke survivors. I look forward to helping others through future work with Stroke of Hope."