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Adapt. Improvise. Prosper

Both of the founders – Charlene Murray and George Scola – were in their 30′s when they had a stroke. Then they faced the monumental task of adjusting back into society. Fortunately, they both had devoted friends and family and the financial resources to access the professional help they needed to create their new lives. This support was vital to their recovery.

Not everyone is so lucky.

It is estimated that approximately 240 people suffer a stroke in South Africa daily, of which ¾ survive. It is often perceived as an event that only occurs in the elderly, but international data (SA data not available) indicates that approximately 25% of people who suffer a stroke are of economically active age and approximately 2.5% are below the age of 30.

Understanding this, they felt compelled to create The Stroke Survivors Foundation in 2010 to create a national network that provides post-discharge rehabilitation and support for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers.

This will be achieved by creating two fundamental resources; a Stroke Manual handbook and the Stroke Survivor Foundation rehabilitation centre.

Bring It On Campaign

One of the challenges that faced both George and Charlene was a complete lack of awareness surrounding stroke survival in South Africa. Once the Foundation was formed, it was time to get it some nation-wide exposure, and so the Bring It On Campaign was incubated.

The goal is to walk from Beit Bridge, in the far north of the country, to Cape Point, in the far south. Yes, this type of walk has been done before, but by able bodied people who averaged between 25 and 40km a day. George, who will be the one tasked with walking the full 2 400km distance, will be aiming at 15km per day, which makes the marathon a full six-month operation. He will be supported, at all times, by Ray Chaplin (Adventurer, campaigner and educator) and will be joined along the way by as many fellow survivors, celebrities and stray dogs as can be persuaded to take part. Charlene will join in for some of the walk, and be the general coordinator.

Is it possible? (At the time of writing this, George had walked just over 2000km. An amazing feat by anyone’s standard. You can follow his live GPS progress at www.strokesurvivors.org.za.)

Two years ago, when George was released from hospital in a wheelchair, little seemed possible. With support, perseverance and desire, George’s personal rehabilitation continues to reward with daily improvements, through a mantra of adapt, improvise, overcome, and the long walk will be an extension of this, as well as being a symbol of the long-term outlook stroke survivors are faced with: the rest of their lives is a long, long journey, filled with uncertainty.

The SSF aims to give every future survivor’s walk a route, and a goal.

For more information or to make a donation visit www.strokesurvivors.org.za or contact George or Charlene

George Scola
george@strokesurvivors.org.za
Charlene Murray
charlene@strokesurvivors.org.za
Tel +27 82 889 1800