.::: STROKE OF HOPE NETWORK :::.

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

Stroke Survivor of the Month - May/June 2004
Edna Marie Woodson
Mount Vernon, NY

This is the model of one strong woman. The past years for Edna have been filled with trauma to a degree many of us can only imagine. Yet, through it all she has kept a strong will and thankful heart. Her appreciation for life forces you to perceive our daily existence in a different light. Her face is always toward the sun.

(Read her story as told by her husband and care partner, Bob Woodson, under the Care Partner menu.)

Hazella says:

"When I walked into the room, she lit it up with a bright yet mild spirit. Her smile shines from within. Her welcoming invitation is for you to stay and share her world, understand where she's coming from (or she's going to). Her name is Edna Woodson and I found that she was a member of my church. Then I found out her husband was also; and immediately I knew why this relationship was forging. She's a stroke survivor, just like I am and many of you are too. We all know the feeling of being trapped, even if only for a little while. Edna has been trapped once too many times and has been forced to choose her reaction to such a tragic lifetime intervention. I remember all too well what those slow recovery years were like. Every moment alone seemed like an eternity and yet it was impossible to savor every moment spent with a loved one for so many reasons. But somehow we continue the fight and look forward.

After our first visit, what I left feeling was glorious and thankful. No doubt, that's why I've gone back again and again. To be reminded of how much we simply take for granted and how much is really quite out of our control. I learn something different from every other survivor I come in contact with…that's the beauty and uniqueness of it all!