Caring for Ed after his stroke was a journey that reshaped both our lives. I had already been helping him recover from open heart surgery when the stroke happened, seemingly out of the blue, triggered by something as mundane as forgetting his laptop. Suddenly, my role as a caregiver intensified.
Despite our separation over 15 years ago, Ed and I have always remained close friends, sharing holidays and vacations, and prioritizing our son, Gage, above all. Our relationship, rooted in friendship, has always been about supporting each other, no matter the circumstances.
For many months, our living room was transformed into a care suite, with a hospital bed in the middle. I am tremendously grateful for my son, Gage, who made the decision to pause school in order to provide me and Ed with help and support ever since the stroke. Together, we did the best we could to care for Ed during this challenging and uncertain time. Overall, Ed spent most of his days in the living room, often in silence, which left me alone in my thoughts and worries about the future. This period of reflection, although difficult, sparked an idea that would eventually grow into something much bigger than I could have imagined.
Initially, my focus was solely on Ed’s recovery. Watching him day after day, confined to a hospital bed in our living room, I was constantly reminded of the profound impact a stroke can have on someone’s life- all in a matter of minutes. It wasn’t just the physical limitations; it was the social isolation too. Many of Ed’s “friends” seemingly disappeared post-stroke, a sad reality for so many stroke survivors in his situation. This loss of social connection was something I deeply empathized with.
During this time, I began to find solace and support in Facebook groups for stroke caregivers. The resources and shared experiences I discovered there were invaluable. Seeing the positive impact these groups had on me, I encouraged Ed to join them, too. They were spaces where people could share their challenges and triumphs, and connect on a deeper level. It was while commiserating in these groups that I realized the power of connection and the importance of having a support system of people who truly understand what you’re going through. Seeing Ed become happier and more engaged as he communicated with others in similar situations was incredibly heartening.
These interactions sparked an idea– why not build a platform specifically created for people like Ed? A platform where stroke survivors could find companionship and support, and maybe even romance. The idea of a dating app for stroke survivors was born. But both Ed and I agreed it was important we set up this platform for more than just finding love; it needed to be a resource hub, a community where people could not only connect but also access valuable information and tools to help with their daily lives.
Building this app became a mission for us. It was a way to give back, to provide support and hope to those who might feel isolated in their journey. I envisioned a platform that could change lives, not just through romance but through the power of community and shared experiences. In the early days of Ed’s recovery, we realized how little practical help was provided post-hospital. Our idea grew into a mission to fill this gap, to offer something meaningful to those whose lives are altered by strokes.
We were fortunate enough to have the financial means to consider such a project. Our dream for this app is not just to create connections but to give back. We hope to raise awareness and funds for those who lack the resources to navigate their new reality post-stroke. This journey has opened our eyes to the profound impact of strokes and the power of community support.
Now, we’re committed to continuing to create a positive difference, stroke by stroke.
None of this progress or inspiration could have been possible without the incredible support of my son, Gage, and his unwavering commitment to helping his father’s healing journey, as well as ensuring I have stayed strong in heart and mind alongside Ed. I am also so grateful for Ed’s resilience and determination, and for all of the stroke community, nurses, doctors, and the general kindness of strangers that have carried us through to now.