"Anybody can have a life-changing event at any time," said Stevie, a stroke survivor.

At 35, he was working full-time and in the Army Reserve when he suffered a stroke. He ignored the signs: dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, because he thought he had a really bad flu and thought it would eventually shake itself off. He was wrong. Luckily, a coworker recognized the seriousness of his condition and forced Stevie to speak to his supervisor, who in turn, called 911. It saved his life.

He had brain surgery and, over the course of eight months, stayed in five different care facilities, including United Way partner agency, Courage Center, a rehabilitation and resource center located in Golden Valley.

While at Courage Center, Stevie received occupational and physical therapy and learned how to live independently. The stroke left most of his left side immobile, so he had to learn to navigate his daily routine using just his right arm. "I’m the same person," he said, "I just needed to learn skills to do the same things I used to." Moving back home was a milestone.

Stevie was still receiving outpatient care when he decided to set out on a mission—to raise stroke awareness. He retired from the military and is on permanent disability from his job. He now volunteers full-time at many nonprofits, including Courage Center. He gives stroke presentations and workshops to increase awareness, especially in the African-American community, where risk factors are highest.  He also lobbies locally and nationally on behalf of stroke issues. 

Through a support group, Stevie mentors others who have recently suffered a stroke. "Survivors, we speak the same language," he said, "And you learn from the people who’ve been over the bridge before."

United Way’s Agenda for Lasting Change focuses on 10 measurable goals in our three focus areas: Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Health and Independence and Nurturing Children and Families. One goal is helping an additional 15,000 seniors and people with disabilities maximize their independence by 2010.

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