News from: Alzheimers Coachella Valley

Starting in April, Alzheimers Coachella Valley launches a new Stroke Patient Support Group facilitated by Sam Johnson, a longtime volunteer at Desert Regional Medical Center and a stroke patient himself.
The support group will meet live streaming the second and fourth Fridays of the month at 8:30 a.m.to 10 a.m. and is designed to open communication with other stroke patients.

“Having survived a stroke in 2016, and learning to readjust my life, I feel it is extremely important to talk to other stroke patients for them to realize they are not alone, offer encouragement, inspire them to find their new normal and not shut themselves off from society,” said Johnson.

“We are pleased to expand our support groups to include this new one for stroke patients,” said Dom Calvano, Alzheimers Coachella Valley board president. “It fits well under our umbrella of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s support groups as our mission is to provide support and services for Coachella Valley residents living with impaired cognition, no matter what the cause.”

As with all Alzheimers Coachella Valley’s programs currently, it will start as a live streaming meeting and transition to meeting together in the classroom at their offices as soon as the county’s COVID-19 restrictions allow in-person gathering. Social distancing, face masks and other safe and sanitary protocols will be in effect.

A native New Yorker, Johnson spent the first part of his professional life in investment banking in Los Angeles and Boston. In 2005, he left the investment banking world and began working in the philanthropic field, moving to Palm Springs from Boston.

For nine years, he volunteered at Desert Regional Medical Center at the front desk, errand/escort and in patient relations. While there he was an active member of the governing board of the Auxiliary, in charge of the annual grant program. He revamped the grant process requiring appropriate information, site visits and conducting interviews with various grassroots charities.
Every year, he would participate in stroke response training, required of all volunteers.

In December, 2016, he suffered a stroke that affected his right side. He was surrounded by incredibly supportive people who saw his recovery improving daily. After nine months of rehab and exercise, he was able to walk out on the tennis court again, posting a major victory in his recovery. He also resumed his photography travels and education.

To register for the session, please call (760) 776-3100 or email info@cvalzheimers.org to receive the Zoom link to join the meeting. This program is offered at no charge and is open to those who are recovering from a stroke.

About Alzheimers Coachella Valley
Alzheimers Coachella Valley is a community based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit providing support and services for Coachella Valley residents living with cognitive impairment, their families and care partners. All funds raised here remain local to fill the need for professional and peer-led programs. ACV is not affiliated with any national organizations.