Stroke camp? What the heck is that?

Hello my friends,

It's been some time since my last post as I have been quite busy ( a good thing!) But I must share with you about my experience as the resident Music Therapy for the Tampa Rest and Refresh Stroke Camp.

First let me describe what is a stroke camp. Basically this initiative give the people who have survived a stroke and their caregivers to experience fun again in a freely, welcoming, and nurturing environment. They are provided with games, crafts, music therapy, karaoke, swimming and more!

People who had suffered strokes have to learn once again all the basic daily things such as walking, talking, eating, and they must learn how to perform other chores in modified ways since in most cases there is a weakness of one of the sides or the body if not paralysis.

Personally, this was my first stroke camp and first time working with a group of stroke survivors. I was excited and  nervous at the same time! I had in my duty list to sing songs I was not very familiar with, drumming circles, and much more! But I was there and what I saw... there is no words to describe but I will try!

At the beginning of the camp most "campers" were a little shy and after so many people telling them what they can not do they were amidst the world of what they could do. So we had a drumming welcoming circle time. And I had a blast. Little by little people started to bang those drums and smiled as able. I think by this time they thought: who is this crazy girl that gives cues jumping and running around the circle??!! hehe, well, that was ME!.

There was a particular man that I will call Mr. Lucas (fake name!) Mr. Lucas barely could talk (only yes from time to time). But he, OMG he took ahold of a tubano drum which he banged with a mallet and played like there was no end. Smiling, even doing tubano solos! Mr. Lucas also sung a whole song in a group karaoke! There was another man who have learned how to talk and walk THREE times after three different strokes and there he was dancing "Twist." For a whole weekend these survivors and their caregivers were listened to, treated with dignity, and respect. My heart grew for ALL of them. I also felt so blessed that in my immediate family I do not have a stroke survivor. Even more blessed because during that same weekend my grandmother said that the doctor told her she had osteoarthritis but nothing else!

A stroke can happen to ANYONE, ANYWHERE no matter the age, the color of your skin, race, or social status. Our youngest survivor had a stroke at age 6. I hope that if you are reading this you get a little more information on strokes (there are so many types) and how to live a healthy life to decrease the risk. Also, I hope that as me, you learn to see people with canes who can't talk fast (because aphasia or apraxia) with compassion and comprehension. To remember that there is someone inside that body that has lots and lots to share.

For more information go to the following websites:

For Stroke Camp:  www.strokecamp.org
For the National Stroke Association:  www.stroke.org
For the American Stroke Association: www.strokeassociation.org

Stay Blessed~

Cindy~

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