Fargo Recovery: Survivors Rebuild Routines at Monthly Gatherings

A group of stroke survivors played bingo in a community room at Essentia Health on Thursday.

The meeting marked World Stroke Day and brought together participants and their families. It is the latest in a series of sessions that take place on the last Thursday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. The program provides a dedicated space for individuals and their loved ones to address the physical and social aspects of recovery.

Lori Aakre attended the session after suffering a stroke three years ago. Her initial symptoms included seeing black and gray streaks in one eye. When she and her husband visited a walk-in care center, medical staff identified the condition immediately. Aakre recalled that staff told her she was having a stroke right away. She spent three days in the hospital before being discharged. At that point, she experienced facial drooping, speech difficulties, and limited mobility that required the use of a walker.

Aakre joined the monthly support group six months into her rehabilitation. The sessions feature guest speakers and demonstrations of rehabilitation exercises. They also include recreational activities such as game nights. Aakre said she encourages anyone who has had a stroke to attend because the meetings are important. She also noted that recovery allowed her to return to hobbies she loved. Although she initially lost the ability to crochet, she regained the skill and now creates small crocheted dogs to gift to other members.

Keith Aakre, Lori’s husband, stressed the value of acting quickly when symptoms appear. He said there is nothing wrong with going to the doctor when problems arise. The group continues to offer these monthly gatherings as a way for participants to connect and maintain momentum in their daily lives.

More information about joining the meetings is available through the health system’s online resources.