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United Stroke Alliance is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to uniting & educating people about the Prevention, Awareness and Recovery of stroke for survivors, caregivers and their families.

Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp

A Camping Experience for Stroke Survivors, Caregivers and Family Members

Each year 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 543,000 survive the stroke, many experiencing significant physical limitations and emotional and cognitive challenges. After years of slow recovery, depression and isolation become a normal part of life not only for the survivor but also for the caregiver. Hope and optimism often seem like an unrealistic and distant goal. Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp was created to provide an opportunity for stroke survivors and their caregivers to participate in a camping experience that centers on support, education, socialization and relaxation. The primary mission is to improve the quality of life for survivors and caregivers through an experience that will motivate, inspire and support them.

The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp program was first developed in 2004 by Marylee & John Nunley (Founders) following John’s stroke in 2001. They realized a special need for a program that could help stroke survivors and their caregivers cope with the many challenges of stroke. The mission of this program – is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, caregivers, and families through relaxing weekend/retreats. Activities may include, group discussion, speakers, music, games, chair massage, fingernail painting, hand wax dips, dancing, swimming, fishing and craft projects to stimulate the body, mind and spirit!

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Stroke Camp

Our Programs

We are United Stroke Alliance

Making a Difference
 

"I see people make new friendships, believe in themselves again, challenge themselves, expand their horizons."

"Since Bob's stroke over 3 years ago, the four camps we have attended have been our foundation of hope, support, education, positive networking, and friendships. To be part of a group which truly accepts and nourishes who we are, as either a survivor or caregiver, is extraordinary."

"The entire experience was unforgettable and I will carry it with me always. I have volunteered many times, but never have I worked with a nicer group of people and felt more 'inspired'."

"Amanda had her first manicure as she had always been embarrassed at the way her hand looked. All her life Amanda had been looking to fit in and for someone to understand what her life was like, after a journey of almost 30 years, she had finally found what she had been looking for.
(Amanda had a stroke in 1984 at 1 day old.)"

"I am most gratified when I see caregivers and survivors enjoying themselves when they are engaged in different activities and interacting with others."

"What I like most about camp is watching campers evolve and grow! Seeing newbies transform from shy, hesitant, and withdrawn to engaged participants with new hope for the future. Seeing the continued growth of return campers and to watch this growth continue year to year."

"We wanted to thank-you form the bottom of our hearts for the opportunity to participate in such a life changing weekend. Brian came home with a new sense of Hope, Kira with a sense of gratitude, and our 4 yr. old is asking when we can return. This was an amazing event that we were blessed to share. Words can never express just how much this retreat helped our family."

"Our attitude about Paul's stroke and to each other has changed tremendously since camp!"

"A 48-hour caregiver respite. Relentless pampering by the staff and by the volunteers. Caregiver-to­caregiver sharing as well as survivor-only activities. Fun and games. Arts and crafts. Music and laugh-out­loud skits. Educational. Practical. Spiritual. Best thing we've done in 11 years."

"Being able to see how the survivors and caregivers have developed and progressed since their hospitalization brings me hope and renewed energy."

"My experience was a well worth trip to Mt. Charleston, there was so much offered that you never was bored and excited to move on to the next adventure. Everyone was so loving and caring its amazing the feeling you get from being with people who truly care. I'm a Voluntary at Siena and I will to all my patient who had a stroke to be aware of Stroke Retreat and how you can live after a Stroke and mostly to experience happiness and hope again. Keep it going worth coming to. Blessing, Cordella Rubin"

"I most enjoyed the camaraderie with other stroke survivors my age."

"The thing I like most about Stroke Camp is meeting and connecting with other survivors and the total acceptance you feel from everyone. I honestly believe you could add the word 'vital' to your list of adjectives."

"When you see something as simple as Stroke Camp make such a big difference in the lives of stroke survivors and caregivers it is truly heartwarming. Knowing that our support provides such a positive experience for the campers and the volunteers is a true gift."

"I got a glimpse into what caregivers do 24/7. A very humbling experience."

"My husband and I look back on Stroke Camp as a turning point in our marriage and family life. Things had deteriorated pretty badly after my stroke, but camp showed us a new way. We backslid a few weeks later and then my husband really decided to make things different and it has been WONDERFUL! We are so grateful for all Stroke Camp meant for our kids and us."

 

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