Ellen spent over a month in a rehabilitation facility after her stroke. When she was finally able to return home, she felt lost. Everyday activities and hobbies became a challenge, and she found herself overwhelmed with frustration and boredom.
That’s when her stroke care team introduced her and her husband to the Madison Area Stroke and Aneurysm Support Group, a collaboration between UW Health and UnityPoint Health - Meriter. Here, she made life-changing connections with other stroke survivors and cofacilitators Melanie McCauley, a registered nurse at UW Health and Arlene Kennedy, speech language pathologist at UnityPoint Health - Meriter.
"I cannot stress enough how much these two amazing women helped me through recovery," Ellen says. "They showed me that I could get better, and I could still get up and out of my house to live a fulfilling life."
Through this support group, Ellen gained confidence and was encouraged to return to a lifelong passion – volunteering. Now, Ellen volunteers weekly at University Hospital, sharing her story with stroke patients, serving as a beacon of hope that there can be a beautiful life on the other side of recovery.
If you or someone you know recently experienced a stroke or neurologic event, the Madison Area Stroke and Aneurysm Support Group brings together stroke survivors, caregivers and health care professionals, empowering you to reclaim the life you deserve. Learn more