Fargo stroke group meets monthly for games and recovery

Essentia Health in Fargo held a stroke support meeting on World Stroke Day. Survivors and family members attended the event to hear guest speakers, learn about recovery strategies, and play bingo.

The organization holds these gatherings on the last Thursday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. The schedule creates a consistent routine for participants to manage their health and connect with others.

Lori Aakre has attended the group for about six months after suffering a stroke more than three years ago. Her initial symptoms included black and gray streaks in one eye. Medical staff at a walk-in care center identified the condition immediately. Aakre described the diagnosis to the group.

“The first thing they said was, ‘You’re having a stroke,’” she recalled.

Aakre stayed in the hospital for three days. She returned home with facial drooping, speech difficulties, and mobility issues that required a walker. The support group offers rehabilitation exercises and comradery to aid this process. Aakre has regained her ability to crochet and now creates small dogs to gift to other members.

Keith Aakre, Lori’s husband, urged attendees to seek medical help at the first sign of symptoms. “Any time you show some of those problems, there’s nothing wrong with going to the doctor,” he said.