Stroke Education, Awareness and Prevention

The Dorothy H. Chambers Stroke Foundation, Inc.
The Dorothy H. Chambers Stroke Foundation, Inc. in Duluth, Georgia was founded by Marilyn Joyner. Mrs. Joyner founded the (501c3) Non-Profit Stroke Foundation in January 2007, after the loss of her Grandmother, Dorothy Chambers, who passed as a result of a stroke. “I felt compelled to start the organization because I did not want to see others go through the hardships that I and my family faced.

After moving my grandparents to Atlanta my grandmother could not walk or talk. She was now completely dependent on others. I was her primary care giver. In order for me to do that I had to quit my job. I, nor my family, had funds to assist me with living expenses, but I had no choice. She was dying in the nursing home due to inadequate care,” says Ms. Joyner.

One of the services offered at the foundation is “In Home Care Giver Services.” The foundation pays a care giver to be in a home for one month for individuals who are financially challenged. “These services are so needed in our community. Most agencies, if not all of them, are private pay and the cost is too high for moderate to low income families,” states Ms. Joyner.

She continues, “We also offer counseling services. The needs of individuals are great. Many stroke amputee patients and their families, as a result of diabetes, are in need of counseling and other assistant related services. It is very hard to see your love-one suffer. Especially after seeing them so vibrant and energetic, and now not able to speak a sentence or move. The mental frustration and hurt is overwhelming.

Un-insured Americans are facing a crisis. We are not going to the doctor for physicals; therefore, our diabetes is not detected early. Many people do not know that high blood pressure and high cholesterol are the main causes of heart disease. A lot of people in our communities are smokers and overweight. All of these factors will ad to the risk of having a stroke.”

The Dorothy H Chambers Stroke Foundation performs health screenings throughout the community, which includes blood pressure and diabetes glucose screenings. “We educate people regarding the affects of unhealthy eating, and encourage individuals and families to start exercise programs.

Strokes is the third leading cause of deaths. Unfortunately, African Americans are in the forefront of this silent killer. Educating people concerning health issues – strokes particularly - is what the foundation is built on. They also help with prevention by providing necessary materials to clients with the assistance from local health care agencies.

Their job is sometimes difficult and expensive. “We need your support,” says Joyner. “A donation as little as $5.00 will assist in continued service to our community.

This month the foundation is having their 2nd Annual Stroke Awareness Benefit Gala, “Un-Mask the Hidden Danger of Strokes,” Sunday, May 4th at 6:00 p.m. - 1420 Event Room - 1420 Dunwoody Village Shopping Center, Atlanta, GA.

For ticket donations, and to learn more about their organization, or to schedule a health screening, go to www.dhcstrokefdn.org.

“Thanks for your support, “Together we can make a difference,” in closing says Ms. Joyner.


Marie Sabbat
CEO
The Gwinnett Peach Newspaper
2140 McGee Rd,Suite C-510, Snellville, GA 30078
Ph: 770-237-3224, Fax: 678-638-1081