donate_now_org2_btn.gif
American Stroke Foundation
2018 Rose Award Luncheon
 
May 8, 2018 at 11:30 am
 
Sylvester Powell Community Center
6200 Martway, Mission, KS 66202

Anita Gorman  will be presented the  Rose Award for Philanthropy and Community Leadership . The Rose Award is given annually to celebrate the lives and contributions of the philanthropists in our midst. The people who give their time, passion and resources to organizations and causes dedicated to benefiting humanity. Anita Gorman exemplifies the spirit of this award. Her leadership efforts have championed causes for all ages in the Kansas City community. Her philanthropic efforts have made our community stronger particularly through her work in conservation education in Kansas City and the entire state of Missouri.

The Community Award for Service with the American Stroke Foundation will be presented to Don Sears and Maggie Rodgers. Don, a retired minister and longtime volunteer, has facilitated a weekly support group for stroke survivors since the early days of the foundation. His quick wit and compassion coupled with his ability to tell captivating stories, has enhanced the lives of hundreds of stroke survivors. Maggie, a music therapist, has been bringing the joy and therapeutic value of music to the American Stroke Foundation since its inception. A day with Maggie and her guitar is always a good day. Both individuals have been instrumental in advancing our mission through their volunteerism and dedication.

We invite you to celebrate with us by sponsoring a table and attending this year's luncheon. 

 
Healthy Eating
Who says breakfast can't be delicious and healthy? This low-fat version of French Toast uses cinnamon bread, but any type of bread would work. Serve with a side of fresh berries for a tasty treat.  (Read more...)
14 Weeks to a Healthier You
Building Healthy Inclusive Communities through the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) has developed a  web-based physical activity program, designed for people with mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, and physical disabilities.  We invite you to participate! Follow this link to learn more about it: 14 Weeks.

Moving Forward with ASF
The American Stroke Foundation Next Step Program is a wellness program to help people who have had a stroke continue to improve and regain independence in daily living skills. Here are some stories of participants and the gains they have made.

Jan
by Lisa Motley, OTA Student

Stroke survivor Jan is a regular at the ASF Blue Springs location. Her stroke forced her into early retirement after nearly 25 years with Child Protective Services. Prior to her stroke, Jan states she was on the run 24/7, not eating healthy and just not taking care of herself. Life has definitely changed for her, stating "Believe it or not, in many ways for the better." Though she was forced to slow down, she expressed "Life is simpler and more important." Her friendships are deeper and ASF is a huge part of that.
 
When asked what the ASF program means to her, Jan says "This program and these people mean the world to me. They are who I turn to and they have kept me going. I come early to the program just so I can catch my friends coming in. I light up when I see them."
 
Jan has come to terms with the fact that she's had a stroke and is no longer able to do all that she used to do but is quick to say, "That's OK. There is a new call now." A call to help others in a way she wasn't planning on. She believes her ASF friendships and the ASF program are responsible for this peace and acceptance .
Stroke Education Series
The American Stroke Foundation and The University of Kansas Health System partner to provide a stroke education speaker series as part of the ASF Next Step Program.

Wednesday, April 4, 11 am - noon
Assistive Devices and Low Tech (Off the Shelf) Equipment for Self-Care, Dressing, Medication Management and Household Management
Wesli Searcy, Occupational Therapist

Classes meet at:
Sylvester Powell Community Center, Room B 
6200 Martway St, Mission, KS

The Stroke Education Series is free and open to the public. Click  here to reserve your space today!

Stroke Walk Logo Stroke Walk 2018
Saturday, September 8, 2018
      • Theis Park, 4800 Rockhill Rd, KCMO
      • On-Site Registration 8-9:30 am
      • Walk Begins 9:30 am
Raise funds for the American Stroke Foundation by gathering family and friends for a fun morning of music, breakfast, and a walk in the park. Walkers of all abilities are welcome. 

Save the Date! Online registration & information about sponsorship  opportunities coming soon. 
StoriesMoving Forward with ASF  (continued)
 
Caroline
by Noel Thachil, OT Student

Caroline is the epitome of hard work and perseverance. Caroline's hardworking attitude has enabled her to do many things she never thought she would be able to do again after having her stoke, such as being able to walk and take care of her grandchildren.
 
Back in 2013 when Caroline had her stroke, she thought life was over until she had her aha moment! This epiphany came to Caroline when she was receiving therapy at a facility in Omaha while her family members live in Kansas. One day when Caroline was working with Physical Therapy, her family came to visit her. None of her family knew that she had started walking again, so Caroline decided to surprise them and show them that she could get up and out of the wheelchair and walk. As Caroline got up and walked towards her family, she could see the big smiles on their faces and hear their screams of joy. Her brother jokingly asked the group, "Did anyone film that?"
 
Seeing her family's excitement made Caroline realize that it was not just about herself any more and more people were invested in her progress than she had thought. This realization helped her acquire the motivation she needed to work harder in her recovery process and move closer to family in the Kansas City area. Here she discovered the ASF which she attends regularly to help address overall strengthening, endurance and social activities. In fact, Caroline now co-leads GratiTUNES at ASF incorporating her previous DJ experience. Caroline shared "ASF has helped me with my journey and being part of a larger family of friends."
 
Caroline actively problem solves any challenges she encounters and keeps moving forward with grace and strength. Caroline's biggest advice to others is to "Take the word 'can't' out of your vocabulary!"


Mike
by Jarel Russell, OT Student

Mike has been a member of the American Stroke Foundation since October 2015 after experiencing his stroke in May of 2014. Before having a stroke Mike was a Chief Financial Officer for a big stock brokerage company in Charleston, South Carolina. Mike describes life in Charleston as heavily influenced by southern culture and everyone is very formal. Mike has two children he is very proud of. His daughter took after him by becoming a CPA. His son is a recent medical school graduate and is completing his residency in Cleveland, Ohio in anesthesiology.
 
After his stroke, Mike relocated to Lee's Summit, Missouri to live with his sister and attend the ASF program. When asked what he enjoys most about attending the program, Mike says he likes the social interaction. The fitness program helps him stay physically active and reach personal fitness goals. Mike also has a passion for music and enjoys GratiTUNES with Debby and music bingo which is an activity he leads. Mike also assists in leading aquatics on Tuesdays at the Blue Springs ASF location.
 
Currently Mike is employed at a local barbeque restaurant in the Lee's Summit area. He works as a host and server for the establishment. Mike enjoys "being of service to others" and feels tips are nice because he feels instant gratification from doing a job well. The bigger the tip means he provided outstanding service to his customers. Mike's advice to a new participant who is joining the ASF is to participate in all activities and take advantage of the services you pay for each month. He is a firm believer that the best results come to those who participate in the program as a whole.
RecipeHealthy Eating Recipe

Cinnamon French Toast
By Mayo Clinic Staff
 
Serves 2
 
Ingredients
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 slices cinnamon bread
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup maple syrup
 
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the egg whites, vanilla and nutmeg. Whisk to mix evenly. Dip the bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
 
Place a nonstick frying pan or griddle over medium heat. When a drop of water sizzles as it hits the pan, add the bread. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook until both sides are golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
 
Place 2 slices of French toast on warmed individual plates. Add 1 teaspoon powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons maple syrup to each. Serve immediately.
 
Nutritional analysis per serving
Serving size: 2 slices

Calories
299
Total fat
3 g
Saturated fat
Trace
Trans fat
0 g
Monounsaturated fat
Trace
Cholesterol
62 mg
Sodium
334 mg
Total carbohydrate
57 g
Dietary fiber
<1 g
Added sugars
17 g
Protein
11 g

ASF Locations
Business Office
6405 Metcalf Ave, Ste. 214 
Overland Park, KS 66202
913-649-1776
 
ASF Next Step Programs
913-649-1776 
 
Sylvester Powell Jr. 
Community Center 
6200 Martway St
Mission, KS 66202
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
 
Blue Springs Family YMCA
1300 Adams Dairy Parkway
Blue Springs, MO 64014
Tuesday/Thursday
 
Cleaver Family YMCA
7000 Troost Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64131
Monday/Wednesday

Contact Us
American Stroke Foundation
913-649-1776

Executive Director

Program Director

Stroke Survivor Navigation Program Coordinator

Next Step Program Coordinator
Director of Marketing

Next Step  Program Coordinator

Next Step  Program Coordinator

Mission Facility Coordinator

Administrative Assistant

Amazon Smile
Don't forget that every time you shop on Amazon.com, use AmazonSmile. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price on all eligible items to the American Stroke Foundation when you choose ASF as your charitable organization! For more information, go to smile.amazon.com.
Donate a Vehicle
We can accept any vehicle, any condition! Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) processes all donations and provides tax receipts. The donation process is easy and completely free to donors. Call 1-800-269-6814 or click here to start the process online.
A Lasting Legacy
You can make sure the ongoing and future needs of individuals who have survived a stroke are met by including the American Stroke Foundation in your will or estate plans.  This might include a bequest, life insurance policy, or trust arrangement. Consult your attorney or financial adviser  on how you can make a planned gift.
ASF Board of Directors

Richard March
Chair

Sara Baker
Vice-Chair

Janice Sandt
Secretary

Kathy Parker
Treasurer

Betsy Rosetti Brown

Mary Jo Morrow

Marques Mosby

Kimberly Poecker, DO

Karina Shreefer

Rakesh Vardey, MD


Advisory Board

Lyde Doston

Bob Frazier

Micki Harrison

Spence Heddens

Steve Israelite

David Marshall

Marilyn Rymer, MD

Robbie Small

Shirley Rose
Founder