Rekindling Stroke Survivors’ Hope by Seizing the Golden Recovery Period

When Bonnie Chan is not walking with crutches, you may hardly notice any difference in appearance between her and other female professionals in their 30s. In fact, she had a stroke and had to stay in hospital for over 50 days. She said it was like a near-death experience.

Bonnie Chan took part in the Society’s intensive therapy programme in its pilot rehabilitation scheme. She said the Society was committed to helping stroke survivors seize the golden recovery period, using its professional services and advanced equipment to maximise her recovery. Our physiotherapists and social workers found that she worked very hard to recover. She started using equipment such as the ceiling hoist system to improve flexibility of her arms and legs so that she could move around without a wheelchair. Her recovery progress was excellent.

After taking part in the intensive stroke rehabilitation programme, Bonnie said she had recovered about 90%. She can go shopping, take public transport and even do boxing exercise and go travelling. She returned to work and became selfreliant just seven months after her stroke. The fact that Bonnie was able to reintegrate and contribute to society again in such a short time reflects the social impact of the Society’s services.

“Stroke survivors may often feel diminished by the effects of their stroke, but I hope that they will work hard to achieve their goals,” said Bonnie. “Getting help from others does not mean asking for charity. Rather, it’s like someone giving you a hand when you’ve fallen down to allow you to continue to go forward when you are depressed and frustrated.”