David's top three favorite classes at the American Stroke Foundation (ASF) Next Step program are: 1.) Musical Grati-Tunes and 2.) Music with Maggie, because they are fun; and 3.) Survivor Support with Don, because it's thought-provoking! When David is not at the ASF program, he enjoys playing computer games such as Lord of the Rings, walking or biking to Caribou Coffee, and he enjoys his dark-brown with black stripes cat, Jacque, who is 14 years old.

 

David has a little sister, Kathy, who is busy working and being their Father's and other sister's support. However, she makes time for David and helps by cutting his nails and beard once a month. She even gets Jacque his kitty litter! David also has a home care company come once a week to help with laundry, sweeping, and dishes. They stay for two hours and clean house for David and Jacque.

 

David was an architect before having a stroke. Unfortunately, the things he did in architecture with the CAD program and drawing can be challenging when attempting to do one-handed. Even doing so, it would be hard to keep up with the demands of the profession considering the extra time that might require, but none the less, David still uses his hands to make beautiful projects in the activity opportunities at ASF! He created a mini-bridge that was able to hold up the most weight, with his talent and skill certainly not lost!

 

David chooses to look at life in a positive sense - that he survived, and nowadays, he relaxes easier because he doesn't get stressed out about anything! He says, "It's not a big of deal in the grand scheme!" ASF has given him the opportunity to be more active. David believes ASF offers him a place to be with friends, a sense of community, and even wards off depression. When asked what he has learned from life, David utters the words many stroke survivors have been heard speaking, "to live each day as if it could be your last, to the fullest". He adds to not put things off, keeping the important things first. David has an eye for not only architecture, but a new foundation that is strong in community and what really matters.