Norwood Hospital Stroke Club Hosts Second Annual Clambake-August 11, 1981

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Families and stroke survivors gathered in good spirits over the weekend for the Norwood Hospital Stroke Club’s second annual clambake, hosted by Felix Yankowski of Sharon. Formed just two years prior with a modest group of six members, the support network has expanded rapidly to encompass 75 stroke victims and their families.

Club coordinator Liz Murphy emphasized the profound importance of creating positive social environments outside the hospital setting, explaining, “When someone is ill, their friends and family only see them in the hospital. We want them to be together in good times, also.” The organization actively encourages spouses and family members to participate, recognizing that a stroke impacts the entire household.

Fredde Schreiber of Westwood, a club member, reflected on the group’s vital impact, stating, “I don’t know what I’d do without it… We share our progress at the meetings and show others that they’re not alone.”

Noting that strokes can strike individuals even in their 40s and 50s, Murphy highlighted how the patient-powered group fosters courage and resilience. To further enhance medical care, Helen Fine, director of rehabilitation at Norwood Hospital, announced the upcoming opening of a specialized three-bed stroke unit designed to streamline specialized treatment.

Dr. Bryan Lieberman, chief of neurology at Norwood Hospital, praised the peer-driven nature of the organization, while host Felix Yankowski credited the program with aiding his personal recovery, noting that patients are often simply “tired of talking about what happened” and appreciate focusing on positive fellowship. (Photography by Brad Doherty).

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger