June 24, 2019
JOURNALIST, AUTHOR, AND STROKE SURVIVOR MARK MCEWEN SHARES STORY AT FUNDRAISER
Annual event raised $90,000 for March of Dimes Canada
For Immediate Release: Journalist, activist, and author Mark McEwen recently shared his experience of stroke recovery at March of Dimes Canada’s annual Ability and Beyond Dinner.
This year, the annual event raised money for
After Stroke, MODC’s new model of care for stroke survivors and caregivers. After Stroke focuses on supporting both survivors and caregivers as they transition from hospital to home and, later, from home back into the community, where there’s a gap in service.
Sean Russell, for instance, found himself feeling isolated after his stroke. Monthly peer support meetings at Ontario’s West Park Health Care Centre helped. “You meet other people, share stories, and realize you’re not in this boat alone,” he says. It was also a way to learn about the community resources available to him.
Sean’s wife, Kathryn, has also benefited from After Stroke. “It can be very damaging when you’re no longer connecting with your friends and neighbours, but through the program I met a whole new group of individuals,” Kathryn adds. “I felt comfortable opening up to them when I needed to so that I could continue to encourage and support Sean.”
Sean and Kathryn shared their story
in this video, produced by Bell Media, that was premiered at the dinner.
A stroke survivor himself, McEwen spoke to the need for programs like After Stroke,his own wife’s role as a caregiver, and how his life has changed.
The event raised an impressive $90,000 for survivors and caregivers across Canada.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Bell, Toronto Sun, Fairmont Royal York, PSAV, Global News, 13th Street Winery, Porter Airlines, BMO, Braund, Holland America Line, Shop4Chairty. Thanks as well to: Winners, Egencia, and Bloor Village Flowers.
March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization providing support services to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers across Canada. Our goal is to enhance the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities every day through a wide range of programs and services across Canada. For more information, please visit www.marchofdimes.ca or call 1-800-263-3463.
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For more information, contact:
Tina Siegel - PR Coordinator
March of Dimes Canada
Tel: 1-800-263-3463 ext. 7258
Cell: 416.606.0541
www.marchofdimes.ca
