Stroke Support Group Newsletter – February Updates & Sky Ridge Highlights
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February invites us into a season of renewal. This month’s Stroke Support Group Newsletter includes updates from several survivor and caregiver communities, including highlights from the Sky Ridge Stroke Support Group meeting we attended yesterday. As Paula shared in this month’s newsletter, the word February comes from the Latin februare, meaning “to cleanse” — a reminder that healing often begins with small resets, gentle structure, and community support.
This month’s update includes meeting highlights, survivor‑centered education, caregiver resources, and a look at how creativity fuels brain healing. We’re grateful to share Paula’s work with the wider survivor and caregiver community.
Sky Ridge Meeting Recap – February 2026
This month’s Sky Ridge meeting was a small but meaningful gathering led by Sue Parson, RN, and Paula Schmidt, RN. Five participants joined us in the Evergreen Building, and although a few others were unable to attend, the conversation was rich, honest, and personal.
We shared updates on how each person is doing, what they’re working on, and what progress looks like for them right now. Paula also invited input on how to build a stronger structure for future meetings — one that supports survivors more deeply and creates a lasting impact.
We also discussed information from the Health & Wellness Center, shared by Maggie Whittum, and reflected on experiences with the Fitness to Drive program and the valuable learning it provides.
Even with a small group, the morning was filled with encouragement, connection, and forward momentum. We look forward to growing this meeting together in the months ahead.
Understanding Initiation, Planning & Organization After Brain Injury
Paula included an educational resource from the University of Washington’s Traumatic Brain Injury Model System explaining how brain injury can affect:
Initiation – the ability to start a task
Planning – choosing how to do a task
Organization – putting steps in the right order
As the newsletter explains:“Initiation is the ability to start doing something… Planning is the ability to choose how to do a task… Organization is the ability to put all the steps of a task in the correct order.”
The handout also covers:
Why these skills are impacted
What makes them harder (fatigue, stress, distractions)
When to ask for help
Practical strategies like routines, organizers, and breaking tasks into steps
This section is a powerful reminder that survivors are navigating real neurological challenges — not personal shortcomings.
Caregiver Burnout: Signs, Causes & Coping Strategies
Paula highlighted a resource on caregiver burnout, describing it as:“a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that happens when caregiving demands consistently outweigh your ability to rest and recover.”
The newsletter outlines:
The difference between stress and burnout
Nine common symptoms (fatigue, irritability, withdrawal, guilt, illness, etc.)
What causes burnout
Ten practical self‑care strategies, including building a care team, planning respite, organizing tasks, protecting rest, and setting boundaries
Caregivers often put themselves last — this section is a reminder that caring for yourself is not selfish; it’s essential.
How Art Therapy Fuels Neuroplasticity
Paula included a beautifully written piece by Sherraine Miller, LPC, ATR‑P, explaining how creative expression supports brain healing.
As the article notes:“Healing can also mean reshaping the brain itself by strengthening pathways, rewiring connections, and literally building new neural architecture.”
Key insights include:
Art engages sensory‑motor systems
Creativity supports cognitive flexibility
Art‑making reduces stress hormones
Visual art therapy can improve visuospatial and motor skills
Creative expression helps regulate emotions and process trauma
This is a hopeful reminder that healing is not only physical — it is creative, emotional, and neurological.
A Special Thank‑You to Marla
Paula’s gratitude shines in this heartfelt section:
“Marla is a true blessing. She plans, prepares and brings us some fantastic meals… Please be kind and reply to her texts… Thank you, Marla, for all that you do for us. You are appreciated.”
Communities thrive because of people like her.
Community Resources
The newsletter includes links to:
Castle Rock & Parker community calendars
Colorado disability resources
Caregiver Action Network
Stroke Engine
CDC travel and respiratory virus guidance
National Aphasia Association events
These resources help survivors and caregivers stay connected, informed, and supported.
Read Paula’s Full February Newsletter
Closing Reflection
Paula’s February newsletter is rich with education, compassion, and community connection. It reminds us that healing is not linear — it is shared, supported, and strengthened through community.
YourBrave is honored to help amplify Paula’s work so more survivors and caregivers can access the resources, encouragement, and hope she curates each month.
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