Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp

Family Stroke Camp is a unique four-day escape for families dealing with stroke provided by Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, a division of United Stroke Alliance.  Our families arrive, often with a stroke survivor parent, ready to enjoy a time of encouragement, rejuvenation, and support with some fun and frivolity thrown in.

The family camp experience was created to meet the needs of younger survivors.  Stroke can occur to anyone at any time.  Young and old, man, woman and even children.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, fundraising for this unique weekend was not possible due to the restrictions for social gatherings.  Through your support, we hope to be able to offer this event in late summer 2021.

 Education and opportunities for conversations and support is a vital part of the weekend, including sharing about living with stroke.  Every age group has an opportunity to meet for discussion.  Two young men shared how they felt the day that each of them experienced their dad having a stroke.  One year discussion focused on the ways that survivors adapt in handling day-to-day tasks.  The conversation provided practical suggestions as well as validation and openness in coping with their limitations.  The weekend always includes a small group opportunity for parents to talk about the challenges they face as their children mature.

A favorite recollection is of the kids entertaining themselves: the shouts and laughter came from the yard— a group of teenagers were sending Dollar Store hula hoops flying into the air.  The goal: looping the hoops over a branch while knocking down someone else’s.  Such delight and pleasure in a silly simple made-up game!

Campers often come back year after year and the families grow and change. Survivors can show off their improvements year after year.  Seven years ago a family arrived for their first time at camp.  They were living through the early days of post-stroke shock and disbelief.  Camp was a new experience.  We welcomed a young survivor, his wife, 4 year old son, and baby daughter a few years ago.  He walked with a walker, struggling to talk.  This year they will arrive with their three children, including that four-year-old who is now 11 and hoping he weighs enough to go down the zipline.  He has no need for a walker and shows  fewer limitations.  Excited to enjoy their special fun-filled vacation, everyone is anticipating the pool, crafts, Zip Lock Bag ice cream, and the annual morning of water balloon games.  At camp no one needs to explain a parents slow speech and walking.  Everyone understands.  Families greet each other with hugs and shouts amid declarations of how much the kids have grown.  This is their family time, their stroke camp family time. 

 Please take a minute to watch the video and see for yourself what Family Stroke Camp is all about and consider donating.  Your donation will provide an awesome experience for a courageous group of people.

Want to mail a donation, here's our address: United Stroke Alliance, 8000 N. University St, Peoria, IL 61615   
                             EIN 64-0954851  All donations are tax deductible.
                                  Questions, email [email redacted]

Any amounts over the goal will go directly to support stroke survivors and their caregivers.