Life After Stroke Awards (LAS) | Stroke Recovery BC

B.C's "Life After Stroke Awards" gives you the opportunity to nominate someone whose courage, determination or achievement has made you feel that they deserve public recognition. These awards recognize individuals who have overcome adversity following a stroke, and caregivers who have provided support to those affected by stroke. There are four award categories. The award recipient for each category will be invited to receive their award at a ceremony, which will be part of the 2007 Annual General Meeting of the Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia.

Outstanding Achievement Award

For a stroke survivor who has overcome exceptional circumstances and has either:
shown special courage in overcoming physical, communication or emotional problems; or
has made a special contribution to their community as a public figure or a volunteer.

Caregivers Award

For an individual who have assisted a stroke survivor by providing emotional support and personal care. The caregiver might be a relative (including a child) friend, neighbour, or volunteer; someone whose strength and cheerfulness has assisted the stroke survivor.

Award for Achievement in the Arts or Sport

For a stroke survivor who has shown exceptional artistic talent in the visual* or performing arts who has attained success in a sporting endeavour. (*If the nominee is being nominated for achievement in the visual arts the application must be accompanied by a photographic example of their art work . Not an Original.)

Volunteer of the Year Award

For an individual who has provided exceptional volunteer service to the Stroke Recovery Association or one of the Stroke Recovery Groups. The volunteer of the year should have given generously of their time effort and creativity without benefiting personally.

NOMINATION GUIDELINES

The decision of the Stroke Recovery Association of B.C is final. Award recipients will be notified by October 9th, 2009. Their names will be announced at the SRABC Annual General Meeting and will be published in the subsequent issue of "The Voice of The Turtle". PLEASE COMPLETE THE NOMINATION AND NOMINATOR FORMS AND SEND IN BY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th to:

Fax: 604 688 3660 (If faxing nomination please confirm receipt of your fax by telephone)

Please note that nominations will only be accepted if submitted on the attached nomination form or (if word processed) in the same format as the form.

Pam Hedderson (nee Anderson), a working mother and wife, truly embodies what a caregiver is all about. When her husband, John suffered a stroke in his early 30's Pam was thrust into the role of a caregiver. Pam suddenly went from being a partner in a loving marriage to being the decision maker, primary parent, therapist, advocate and more.

When Pam took this role on she did not complain. She did what she had to do as she cared for and supported her husband. In conjunction with this round the clock responsibility she raised 2 young daughters and worked full-time to provide for the family.

Both Pam and John have been tireless in promoting and volunteering for the Campbell River Stroke Recovery Association. Were it not for her support the Campbell River Stroke Recovery Association would not be where it is today.

The Campbell River Stroke Recovery Association meets at St. Peters Anglican Church every Tuesday from 9:30 to 1:00 PM. For further information please call 250-830-3144 or e-mail crstrokerecovery@yahoo.com.

Herb Receveur has the distinction of qualifying for all four LAS categories. His wife suffered a stroke and Herb cared for her until she passed away from another stroke.

Herb suffered a mini stroke shortly after his wife�s passing and he had surgery to remove the blockage. He recovered quickly and continued to volunteer at the Parksville Stroke Recovery Branch.

Herb is a very accomplished musician. He plays several instruments including: saxophone, keyboard and clarinet. He concentrates mainly on keyboards now and spends a fair amount of time entertaining at senior centres, long term care facilities and of course, his stroke recovery branch.

Here is a young man who has been to the edge and back. He had a massive stroke, died and was brought back to life, was in a coma for three days, woke up and could not walk or talk, and then was told that he had a brain tumor�It turned out to be a hematoma from the stroke, but can you imagine??
As a caring husband, and father of two young children, Doug worked hard every day to regain his strength, mobility, and speech. He has made an amazing recovery. Last May, Doug and his wife, Jackie, rode the Heart and Stroke Big Bike to help raise money for stroke research. His positive attitude is an inspiration to his fellow stroke survivors at District 69 Stroke Recovery.
Doug is the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement award. Congrats!

Ollie Stogrin has been a Stroke Recovery volunteer for 17 years. Fundraising raffles, dinners, garage sales, bake sales, running errands for those members who had no one else to help them out�Ollie has done it all and she continues to care and support other people--even through her heart surgery in 2006.

Ollie has successfully recruited friends for memorial donations, bus trips and funding for the Templeton Christmas dinner and raffle. She is bound and determined to improve the quality of life for the members in the Templeton Stroke Recovery Branch.

Ollie is tenacious, generous, kind and a strong advocate for stroke survivors and she is not afraid to let you know what is on her mind. We are fortunate to have her fighting in our corner!

Darrel retired in 1998 and planned on enjoying a lot of golf, hiking and traveling. In May of 2001, Darrel�s wife, Siobhan, suffered a stroke. Darrel�s role of caregiver began immediately. He went to VGH, to Powell River, to Nanaimo, and back to Powell River, following his wife from hospital to rehab---wherever she needed him, he was there. He took over all household duties and they had to move to a home that was accessible for Siobhan.

In the fall of 2001, Darrell and his wife joined the Powell River Stroke Recovery Branch. Darrell proved himself a natural leader from the very beginning. He remembers everyone by name, he initiates and drives conversations, he shares all his caregiving info with others. He supports other caregivers and is always ready to listen.

In 2005, Siobhan broke her hip and required hip replacement surgery. Once again, Darrel was once again faced with hospital visits and attending physio appointments.

Darrel has been through a lot over the past 8 years, and he continues to support his wife, other caregivers and the stroke survivors of the Parksville Branch.