Stroke survivors tee off for a cause: SSF hosts 3rd annual fundraising golf day

The Stroke Survivors Foundation (SSF) held its third annual fundraising and awareness golf day at the Houghton Golf Club on September 11, and once again, the community gathered in support of this vital cause.
The foundation, a registered non-profit organisation largely run by stroke survivors, provides crucial peer support and care for stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers, aiming to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and ongoing recovery.

Read more: Houghton Golf Club hosts the Stroke Survivors Foundation for annual golf day

Liberty, the premier sponsor for three years running, aligned its ‘In it with you’ campaign with the goals of the foundation. Marees Bostander from Liberty highlighted the importance of their involvement, saying, “It’s not just about financial freedom; it’s about helping people live their best lives. Strokes are one of the top five claims in South Africa, and the impact on families and society is immense. We want to make a meaningful difference beyond just offering financial support.”

The golf day aimed to raise funds, create awareness of the challenges stroke survivors face, and educate the public about the warning signs and preventative actions. According to the World Health Organisation, 15 million people suffer strokes worldwide annually, with five million dying and another five million left permanently disabled. George Scola, CEO and founder of the foundation, emphasised the urgency of early intervention, stating, “Recognising the symptoms and seeking immediate treatment can save lives and prevent lifelong disability. We need to ensure that survivors and their families have access to the support they need post-hospital discharge.”

Also read: Foods that can increase your risk for a stroke

The foundation has developed the Post Discharge Stroke Support online platform, in collaboration with Stroke Focus, to help fill the gap between hospital care and home recovery. Thato Minyuku, a stroke survivor and director at the foundation, shared her experience: “I had difficulty returning to work after my stroke, but I’ve found purpose through the SSF. It’s a long journey and people need to be patient and understanding. Recovery takes time, and organisations like ours offer valuable support and encouragement.”

As more funding is needed to extend beyond emotional support, events such as the annual golf day play a critical role. Scola concluded, “We could achieve so much more with the necessary financial backing, leaving no stroke survivor and their family behind.”

The foundation continues to advocate for comprehensive post-stroke care, reminding everyone that recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. Through education, support, and collaboration, they are paving the way for a better future for stroke survivors across South Africa.

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