United Stroke Alliance

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

It was another outstanding Strike Out Stroke, sponsored by United Stroke Alliance, at the Peoria Chiefs, May 20. Chris Clemons threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Here she is joined by her husband Jim and Chiefs player Jason Savacool.

Her story is inspiring and one of exceptional persistence! One evening about five years ago, Chris developed a severe headache. Her husband got her to the hospital quickly, and by that time she was completely paralyzed on the left side of her body. She was diagnosed with a spontaneous brain bleed, or hemorrhagic stroke. Statistically, this type of event has a 25 percent survival rate.

She was only 60 years old and had been an exercise enthusiast, completing multiple marathons and was in good health. Doctors have not been able to explain why this happened.

By coincidence, Chris was a Certified Recreational Therapist working with Stroke patients at the Neuro Rehabilitation program at OSF St. Francis Medical Center at the time this happened. She received wonderful therapy and encouragement from her co-workers during her six-week hospital stay.

Stroke recovery is a never-ending process and Chris credits the support of United Stroke Alliance, its Stroke Camps and services, and her amazing community of family and friends with the quality of life she is able to live today.

She has replaced her running with cycling on a modified trike and has found ways to stay engaged with life with adaptations and persistence. The very same things she helped her patients with, she advises other survivors. “ Don't give up, don't give in, do your best not to feel sorry for yourself.”

This can happen to any of us at any time. Chris has learned to cope by focusing on the positive. We need to be grateful in all things and must KEEP MOVING. United Stroke Alliance is here for you!

06/12/2026

What a fantastic time we had at Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in South Carolina thanks to our generous sponsor Prisma Health!

06/12/2026

Nothing like a quick snooze before stroke camp gets going..what excited volunteers look like🤗

06/12/2026

Thank you for supporting our stroke survivors and caregivers! https://unitedstrokealliance.org/donate

06/10/2026

Moments from Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp sponsored by Barrow Neurological Institute …

06/06/2026

Having a ton o' fun, Mardi Gras style, here at Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in Slippery Rock, PA, near Pittsburgh, generously sponsored by our friends at UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Laughter and love has been non-stop!