Stroke Survivors Unite at Woodlands Foundation

May 23, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pittsburgh, PA — Health Hope Network held its third Stroke Survivor Connection program (SSC) All Group Outing on May 9, 2006 at the Woodlands Foundation in Wexford, PA. The brainchild of Mary Alice Smith, member of the Fruit and Flower Mission, the annual event included planned activities such as golf, swimming, gourmet cooking, fitness training, meditation, ceramics and board games to approximately 140 stroke survivors, their caregivers and family members. The Fruit and Flower Mission has partially underwritten this event for the past three years.

"The Woodlands grounds and facilities are perfectly suited for the stroke survivors from around the region," said Joan Ivey, SSC program Director. "The facility provides a place where Stroke Survivor Connection members can learn new skills and enjoy each other’s company. We were pleased to partner with the Woodlands again this year to utilize their beautiful campus and the specialized equipment that helps to enhance confidence in all who participate."

On hand to help with the event were SSC group and session leaders, members of the Health Hope Network Board of Directors and Administrative staff, and volunteers from the American Stroke Association and from the retiree pools at PNC Bank, Heinz VIP and US Steel.

The SSC is operated by the Health Hope Foundation at 27 group sites throughout Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties. The weekly, three-hour group meetings are free. Each meeting is designed to provide a unique model for stroke therapy by helping stroke survivors strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits through physical and mental exercises in a friendly, social setting.

The SSC is funded through private donations and from proceeds generated by Health Hope Foundation fundraisers and the annual FLU B•GONE program, the largest flu shot program in Allegheny County. For more information about Health Hope Network or the SSC program, visit www.healthhopenetwork.org.