Tip: Laughter can help stroke survivors

After a stroke, life can resume. And so can laughter.

Stroke Life Society, an East Meadow-based not-for-profit organization, helps stroke survivors cope with physical, mental and emotional effects of a stroke. The organization holds support groups at various locations each month. Co-founder Ben Thomas says that while their sessions touch on heavy feelings, the meetings are always leavened with humor.

"We have people who come and they're angry, but two or three weeks later, you can't get rid of them," Thomas says with a laugh. "They feel better, they laugh, and they end up having good, productive, enjoyable sessions." The organization, which was established a year ago, has about 100 members. Thomas, 60, speaks from experience. He suffered a stroke in 1998, and still has some impairment in his right leg and arm.

In addition to the group sessions, Stroke Life runs an outreach program in which volunteers visit stroke survivors who are reluctant to come to the meetings because they're embarrassed or have transportation problems. Co-founder Darleen Schauder says Stroke Life is hoping to purchase a van to help get members to the meetings and recently held a fundraiser at Governor's comedy club in Levittown.

There is also a successful program in which Stroke Life recycles medical supplies and equipment. "People donate items like crutches, walkers and hospital beds, and then we place them with people who need it," Thomas says.

While Stroke Life is focused on helping survivors, Thomas also wants to raise awareness about stroke symptoms, because getting immediate treatment is crucial. When Thomas suffered his stroke 13 years ago, he didn't rush to the emergency room. "I went to sleep and thought I'd get better in the morning," he says. Thomas notes that when the clot-busting drug tPA is administered within three hours after a stroke, it may reduce long-term disability for many victims. (For a list of stroke warning signs, go to the American Stroke Association's website, bit.ly/stroke-warnings.)

There is no charge to attend a Stroke Life meeting. For a list of meeting dates and locations, or if you have medical equipment you want to donate, go to strokelife.org or call 516-946-1548.

"Our prime purpose is to provide a safe-haven environment for people who've had strokes," Thomas says. "But having fun is the most important thing."