Peer-Support for Stroke Recovery
Stroke Recovery Support from People Who Understand
Kandu Participants rate our virtual connect groups as one of the most valuable aspects of the Kandu Program. They cite the opportunity to connect with other stroke survivors who are at a similar point in their own recovery journey as “feeling as though they were less alone” and as a sense of “community and belonging”. Connect groups are led by Kandu Ambassadors who understand the physical and emotional challenges of stroke recovery. Connect groups meet weekly via web conferences. Between meetings, participants can communicate with their connect groups through asynchronous messaging on the Kandu App.
In this webcast led by Alana, a Kandu Navigator, Kandu Ambassadors Toni and Dave discuss their commitment to helping participants get the most out of Kandu Connect Groups and the significance of peer-support after stroke.
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Kandu Ambassadors are fellow stroke survivors and care partners who have a deep understanding of the effects of stroke. They share their own lived experience and provide guidance to help participants understand the challenges they face. Kandu Ambassadors support participants through their stroke recovery by sharing information and tips for managing life after stroke. The connect groups are an important and popular part of the Kandu Program. Over 83% of Kandu Graduates said that they found value in interacting with the virtual Kandu Connect Groups1.
1Kandu participant exit survey data as of June 6, 2024.
About the Team
Alana Abel, OTD, OTR/L is a Senior Navigator at Kandu Health. As a clinical navigator, she enjoys connecting with survivors and care partners with a heart-first approach to foster empowerment and tackle challenges to recovery. Alana cherishes each small win with survivors and care partners, whether it is connecting them with a resource or just being the person that has the time to listen.
Toni Hickman, a music artist and a stroke survivor, is a Kandu Ambassador for stroke survivors in the Kandu Program. Having lived through her own recovery journey and being a care partner for her mother, Toni offers support and inspiration to others facing similar challenges to live their best possible lives after stroke.
Dave Brinkman, a Kandu Ambassador for care partners, brings experience from supporting his father after a stroke. He is also an occupational therapist who works with stroke survivors and is dedicated to supporting people affected by stroke to adjust to their new normal.
