Holzer Provides Stroke Support Group
Holzer Health System is providing a new support group for stroke survivors, their caregivers, and other friends and family members! Tonya Estep, Infection Prevention Control Auditor at Holzer, will be leading this vital program. “The stroke support group will be based on the American Stroke Association’s guidance. We will have guest speakers and activities, but ultimately, it is the member’s group. Their needs and wants will determine the group’s dynamic and topics. At the first meeting, attendees will suggest names for the group, develop rules, identify topics of interest, and set goals,” says Estep.
Estep has seen firsthand how beneficial medical support groups are. Her parents were part of a previous stroke support group at Holzer and benefited from connecting with other caretakers and stroke survivors. Estep talks about those times, saying, “My parents are my inspiration for facilitating this new stroke support group. After my father suffered a catastrophic hemorrhagic stroke, my mother and I struggled with many difficult decisions during his recovery. That previous support group provided different types of resources that helped along the way. Our family received a lot of valuable information and met many great human beings. The mood was definitely lightened.”
Estep is honored to restart the stroke support group as it will provide stroke survivors and caregivers with immense support. Estep states, “If you are looking for positive post-stroke solutions and encouragement, this group is for you! This will be a safe place for stroke survivors and caregivers to learn, share, and enjoy themselves. We realize that every stroke survivor’s experience is valuable and unique. If someone is in the early stages of their journey, hearing someone else’s story can be powerful and enlightening. We want to empower everyone to keep moving forward.”
Holzer’s Stroke Support Group will have its first meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. This meeting will take place at The Eastman Room, which is located at the Holzer Therapy and Wellness Center on 735 2nd Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631. Additional meetings will follow every other Monday. Call 740-446-5158 for more information!
