STROKE OF HOPE - SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST:

Spreading Hope for Quality of Life & Beyond…

Westchester, NY (November 2004) -- Hazella Rollins-LaVar, a former international opera singer and stroke survivor, is so grateful that she is able to share her miraculous journey to recovery. At the end of 1999, just twelve days after giving birth to a baby girl, Hazella suffered a complicated postpartum stroke that resulted in paralysis. She was unable to walk, talk, sing or swallow. She thought her voice had been silenced forever.

It was during her rehabilitation period that Hazella was inspired to create a vehicle for all persons affected by stroke. “My realization was that not only was this a traumatic experience for me, but my family and friends were also affected,” says Hazella, “and we all need a place we can go or someone we can talk to about the situation – because this can be incredibly draining both physically and emotionally.”

Four years into her recovery, Hazella’s drive and determination for a productive life post-stroke has led to something wonderful. She has earned certification as a personal trainer and is working with other survivors, some of whom are also professional entertainers such as legendary R & B singer Luther Vandross. Hazella has also been the motivating force behind Stroke of Hope Foundation, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization. The non-profit’s mission is to provide a base of support with a broad spectrum prepared to assist anyone affected by stroke – whether they are a survivor, care partner, relative or friend. Stroke of Hope has a growing group of dedicated medical experts, a dynamic board of directors and an expanding team of experienced associates whom have a combined mission to educate people while eradicating myths about stroke.

“People think that only older, Caucasian people have strokes. The reality is that anyone can have a stroke. In fact, African-Americans and Latinos have more strokes than any other ethnic group. Stroke ranks as the number one cause of disability and the third leading cause of death. This is something that is not discussed enough within our communities,” says Hazella. “Furthermore, too little emphasis is placed on those of us whose quality of life has been permanently impacted. Stroke of Hope is filling that void. Many organizations focus on awareness, prevention and research, which is absolutely necessary, but what differentiates Stroke of Hope is that our team is equipped with a personal knowledge base to give the missing link of human contact.” And it’s led by an actual survivor!

The inviting Stroke of Hope website has four different areas in which people can participate. If a Survivor, you can share stories, testimonials, leave a message on the Hope Board, as well as potentially being recognized as the “Survivor of the Month”. If you are a Care Partner, you can do much of the same, along with gaining some helpful hints on how to actually be a “Care Partner”. If interested in Prevention and Treatment, you can get a list of national stroke trauma centers, demographic information, and feedback from the specialists. Finally, you can learn more about Hazella personally through her photo gallery, fitness training tips, and a list of places where she may be speaking. Volume I of her motivational CD series entitled “Surviving Stroke” is also available on the site. It’s all right at your fingertips from anywhere in the world.

As the Executive Director of Stroke of Hope, Hazella is able to share her triumphs with audiences throughout the country and inform others that they too can survive a stroke, and quality of life is attainable. She truly believes that through support and motivation, the real healing can begin.

For more information please visit www.strokeofhope.net