Nearly 800,000 suffer a stroke every year in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control.
While rehabilitation is often a difficult road, a South Bay couple is providing local patients some valuable support. Deb and Bob Shaw embrace stroke survivors and their families at a unique event where participants can golf from their wheelchair. Hundred of people learn how to balance life in ways many never imagined possible after a stroke thanks to the couple's Golf 4 Life gathering.
"So we're trying to create those venues where people can get out of the house and do things in an environment that's safe," said Bob. "You can do more, but you have to have that open mind to believe in yourself, to fight back," added Deb, who herself suffered three strokes several years ago that left her with mobility challenges. She has persevered through therapy and her "three P's" - patience, positivity and practice.
Plus a fourth P -- her pillar of strength -- Bob, her husband of 36 years. "When she had that first stroke, you never get a lesson that what to do. So we had a simple philosophy: We're going to try everything, as long as it's safe," he explained.
The Shaws realized they could help other stroke survivors. So the couple shifted from the world of technology start-ups to begin their own Los Gatos-based nonprofit, Champion the Challenges , in 2020. Besides in-person events, they've reached tens of thousands of people nationwide sharing informational booklets and Deb's inspirational jo.