NASAMSabah

NASAMAmpang

NASAMPenang

NASAMKuantan

NASAMJohor

NASAMPerak

NASAMMalacca

NASAMPetaling Jaya

15YearsIn The Making

KDN PP 10647/04/2011(029790)

2010DEC

YES! THERE IS L IFE AFTER STROKEEDITORLesley Hoh

PUBLISHED BYNational Stroke Association of Malaysia

NASAM Petaling Jaya12 Jalan 7/246050 Petaling JayaTel : 03-7956 4840Fax : 03-7954 2275Email : nasampj@nasam.org

NASAM Ampang9 Lorong Awan 168000 AmpangTel : 03-4256 1234Fax : 03-4251 5360Email : nasamampang@nasam.org

NASAM Penang9 Jesselton Crescent10450 PenangTel : 04-229 8050Fax : 04-226 0563Email : nasampenang@nasam.org

NASAM Perak9 Lorong PinjiOff Jalan Pasir Puteh31650 IpohTel : 05-321 1089Fax : 05-322 4759Email : nasamperak@nasam.org

NASAM Malacca5132C Jalan Datuk PalembangBukit Baru75150 MalaccaTel/Fax 06-231 0177Email : nasammalacca@nasam.org

NASAM Johor59 Jalan Chendera, Serene Park80300 Johor BahruTel : 07-223 0075Fax : 07-223 0076Email : nasamjohor@nasam.org

NASAM KuantanA2134 Lorong Kubang Buaya 225250 KuantanTel/Fax : 09-566 8195Email : nasamkuantan@nasam.org

NASAM SabahKompleks Badan-Badan SukarelaWisma Pandu Puteri, Km4 Jalan Tuaran88400 Kota KinabaluTel : 088-261 568Fax : 088-268 568Email : nasamsabah@nasam.org

All centres are open from Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.For more information, visit us at www.nasam.org

PRINTED BYSML Press Sdn Bhd(KDNPQ 1780/3693)46, Jalan PBS 14/4Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang43300 Seri Kembangan

SPONSORED BYsanofi-aventis (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd(334110-P)8th Floor, PNB Damansara19 Lorong Dungun, Damansara Heights50490 Kuala LumpurTel ; 03-2089 3333Fax : 03-2089 3338/9

ReflectionCliché as it sounds, how time flies. NASAM is fifteen this year. Much has been done and many have been served.

But, it is not time yet to rest on our laurels. There is much more to be done. It is time to reflect on what has been achieved, to review our successes and look at what could have been done better.

In this special issue, we recall the beginning of each of the NASAM centres in the country. It has been NASAM’s vision from the start to see a NASAM centre in every state of the country. Currently there are eight and god-willing the building will continue.

That the number of stroke victims, or strokees as we call ourselves, is increasing is only too apparent. We see this from the number of people who come to us for help. Public hospitals are stretched and private facilities are too expensive for many.

Stroke does not discriminate against colour or creed and strokees come from across the social spectrum. Gone are the days when stroke was thought of as an ‘old people’s’ disease. We have strokees who are in their golden years, strokees who are at the prime of their lives and even children.

At NASAM, it is not important who has been stricken. What matters is that they know of us and visit the nearest centre to them for rehabilitation therapy as soon as possible. In this way they too can live our motto, “Yes! There is life after stroke”.

Our greatest satisfaction comes from seeing strokees regain the function of their limbs, speech and mobility. Some are able to return to work and so remain as providers for their families instead of being provided for.

Our mission to provide affordable and accessible rehabilitation therapy services is therefore of utmost importance. That is what our funds are channelled to first and foremost, and fund raising is a major priority in our operations.

We are grateful to the many corporate and individual citizens who have supported our annual Food and Fun Fair and the latest addition to our calendar, Malaysia’s Biggest Breakfast, apart from many other smaller events and projects. It is only through such partnerships that we are able to reach out to those who need us most.

We want to thank all our corporate sponsors, the local committees and especially all the volunteers who are so essential to the daily rehab activities at each centre.

We hope that many more will join us on our mission. We need you!

Janet YeoFounder Chairman

PATRON

Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hjh. Dr. Aishah Ong

NASAM BOARD

Janet Yeo (Chairman)

Mah Li Chen (Hon. Secretary)

Eng Lian Geok (Hon. Treasurer)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Datin Sharifah Khairiyah

Chan Hong Ee

Sheila Joachim

Lam Sooi Cheng

Hoh Chee Wai

Stroke News | 1

The Early Years and PioneersThe seed for NASAM was sown on 8 August 1995 when Janet Yeo’s story appeared in the New Sunday Times. Her story of recovery from her stroke prompted an avalanche of response from the public.

From her own experience, Janet became aware of the lack of resources available in the country to facilitate recovery from stroke. This was confirmed by the phone calls following the news story.

“What should I do?” Janet thought. “How can I help others who are also praying ‘God, let me be able to kneel down and touch the grass again on my own’?”

Together with a few of her friends, they formed the Stroke Support Group. This group initially met at her office and then at her home. They organised monthly talks by healthcare professionals about matters related to stroke, such as nutrition, diet and rehab therapies.

The strokees who attended these talks then requested for regular rehab programmes. Doreen Tan, the therapist who was helping Janet was requested to assist. Daily therapy activities were held between 10 a.m. and noon in Janet’s garage. The group grew from four to twelve within a few months.

As the group grew, it was clear that a more conducive place was needed for the rehabilitative activities. The Yeo family then generously offered the use of their unoccupied house in Petaling Jaya.

In the early days, there were no funds to draw on. All expenses were footed by Janet and the group of volunteers. So, to prepare the house for use by the strokees, another of the pioneers, Kamsiah Mohammad organised the bucket and broom brigade to do the spring cleaning.

Kamsiah was to play a key role in the formation of NASAM as an association. She drew up the constitution and helped with the registration. Accordingly, she also spearheaded the growth of NASAM in the early days. Janet said, “If not for Kamsiah, I would not have had the courage to move ahead.”

The catalyst for the registration of NASAM came in the form of a substantial donation from Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon of Royal Selangor International. Thus, NASAM came to fruition in 1996 and the first NASAM Board was constituted. Footprints on the walk path.

2 | Stroke News

New PremisesAfter registration, and with the group growing steadily, new premises were needed. In 1999, the present house in Section 7, Petaling Jaya was available for rent and the owner agreed that it could be renovated to suit NASAM’s specifications.

The look and feel of the premises was the brainchild of Janet’s husband, Yeo Chee Yan. He suggested that it should be a happy place for the strokees to come and learn; like a kindergarten. It should have an open concept with bright and cheerful colours.

Bobby Lee, an art director, was charged with developing the colour scheme. Doreen saw to the layout of the rehabilitation area and Janet took responsibility for the garden to create a green sanctuary. This would become the image of all NASAM centres.

The big move was done in March 2000, and NASAM headquarters cum PJ Centre was officially opened by then Minister of Health, Dato’ Dr Chua Jui Meng later that year.

Staffing and VolunteersStrokee Susan Khong was employed as NASAM’s first Administrative Assistant cum Receptionist. Zuraidah Abdul Rahman was our first Administrative Manager. She produced NASAM’s first major publication, Understanding Stroke, with help from volunteers and doctors. Doreen was engaged as rehab therapist on a part-time basis.

Apart from the lean staff force, NASAM functioned with the support of committed volunteers. They included Mageswari Suppiah, Christine Harvey and Ruth Paterson who each brought their knowledge and skills to enhance the services that NASAM provided. Volunteers play a major part in the community based rehabilitation aspects for the strokees. They accompany them on outings and provide assistance in occupational therapy sessions such as making handicraft and cooking.

By 2001 the number of strokees coming to the centre made it necessary to institute full-day rehab programmes. This in turn brought on a new demand, that of full-time rehab therapists. As there was a shortage of such professionals in the country, NASAM had to look for them abroad. Until the country can produce sufficiently qualified therapists locally, the Association will continue to depend on these foreign experts.

Group therapy.

One-to-one session.

Stroke News | 3

Our Vision and MissionFittingly, the vision of NASAM is to establish stroke specific rehabilitation centres throughout the country, with the aim of improving the quality of life of stroke survivors and their families. In the long term the objective would be to educate the public so that the risk of stroke occurrence could be minimised.

Ensuring Good GovernanceNASAM has been founded on a philosophy of good governance. Since the Association is almost entirely dependent on public donations for its operations, it was recognised from the start that it had to be accountable and transparent in every aspect of management. Eng Lian Geok was the key person who put together the financial procedures for the Association. Eng, as he is popularly known, continues to review and enhance these systems for the Association. He has been a stalwart, having steadfastly held the position of honorary treasurer since the inception of NASAM.

A ModelNASAM has become a model for many other countries which are also developing support systems for their stroke survivors. The Association is complementing the national health service in a big way in the area of stroke rehabilitation.

NASAM is the essential alternative for those who cannot wait in queue at the public facilities and who cannot afford private healthcare. Therefore, it seems imperative that NASAM continues to grow in order to support the ever increasing number of stroke survivors in our country.

Mirror exercise.

4 | Stroke News

NASAM Penang – The First BranchA call from an elderly gentleman who wanted some attention brought Janet to Penang. Portraying himself as a strokee he convinced her that he needed help.

When she arrived the gentleman’s wife informed her that he made the call only because he wanted some attention!

Undeterred, Janet decided to contact neurologist Dr Ng Wai Keong to explore possibilities for NASAM in Penang. He introduced her to his colleague in Penang, Dr Haniffah Abd Gafoor.

Together with Dr Haniffah, they organised a talk at the Cheshire Home. There they met Ang Chui Hong whose mother had just had a stroke.

After speaking to Janet, she decided to offer her assistance to set up the first branch of NASAM in Penang. The rest, as they say, is history.

Starting a new club is never without teething problems. Janet, Kamsiah and Stella Ooi made frequent trips up north to support Chui Hong who was managing single-handedly.

For a long time, NASAM Penang did not have premises to operate out of. Planning meetings were initially held at the Cheshire Home. Stella used her good offices to procure venues at hotels on complimentary basis for talks on Stroke and Stroke Prevention by Dr Haniffah. Janet also spoke about Rehabilitation.

Pressure from work and health concerns compelled Chui Hong to relinquish her position in NASAM Penang and the baton was picked up by Pat Mah. Pat and her committee managed to secure premises in Codrington Avenue and recruited a full-time administrative assistant and a part-time rehab therapist.

Making ProgressIn 2005, Chan Hong Ee came aboard with a group of friends and provided the impetus for the club to move forward. Led by Hong Ee the club focused on fund-raising to put it on a sound footing to implement its programmes.

By 2009 there was a total 133 strokees registered at the centre. Forty-three of these are active, meaning that they attend regularly for the rehab sessions. Those who do not attend regularly or drop out cite reasons of distance from the centre, do not have carers to accompany them or have financial constraints.

The club has now moved to a single-storey bungalow at Jesselton Crescent and rehab activities are in full swing. There are two full-time rehab therapists supported by an administrative assistant, Elaine Chong.

Looking AheadThe current subcommittee of the Club is chaired by Chan Hong Lip. He is supported by Chan Hong Ee (Vice Chairman), Linda Ooi (Secretary cum Treasurer), Tan Leong Hin and Pamela Ong.

The committee’s focus in 2011 would be to raise awareness and provide public education on prevention of stroke through a series of roadshows. The roadshows are made possible by a grant from CIMB through their CIMB-Community Link programme. NASAM Penang is also grateful for the support of M Care group of pharmacies in fundraising to maintain the club’s activities.

The club believes that small steps taken each year will contribute towards reaching out to more strokees and their families. There is hope that a Speech Therapist could be found to work with those strokees suffering from speech and swallowing disorders.

Efforts are also being made to get a volunteer doctor who could give talks on stroke related issues and provide counselling. The club welcomes the offer from members of Befrienders to help with improving the emotional health of the strokees.

Qi-gong exercises will be introduced to make the therapy programme more interesting for the strokees.

Obstacle course for endurance training.

Stroke News | 5

NASAM Sabah- Doctors Lead the WayNASAM Sabah’s beginnings were the initiative of two doctors from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Kota Kinabalu. Dr Selva and Dr Choo Khim Wei, a rheumatologist knew of NASAM through reading Stroke News. They contacted NASAM for advice on how to set up a stroke rehab centre.

They were advised to form a committee, which they promptly did, comprising two doctors, a few locals, two strokees and several local Rotarians and Lions, who were prospective sponsors.

Kamsiah Mohammad, then NASAM’s secretary and board member Stella Ooi flew over to meet them for initial discussions in July, 2001. Plans were put in place and NASAM Sabah became a reality on 10 November 2001. It began operating from a small room at QEH and later moved to the Girl Guides Complex, its current home.

Dr Choo was the chairperson until 2003 when she had to relinquish the post due to her heavy load at work. She was succeeded by strokee, Joseph Thien who capably kept the club going until March 2006. The baton was picked up by Dr Heather Yong, who regretfully had a short stint as she had to return to the US in 2007.

Since then, the club has been headed by Jasminah Ali, a physiotherapist and one of the founding committee members. She is supported by Dr Tan Jun Kwang (Vice Chairperson), Thien Ming Fui (Treasurer), Dr Joseph Lee Han Kyun (Secretary) and Lee Yen Me.

The strokees follow rehab programmes conducted by two qualified rehab therapists.

Apart from the therapy sessions, the strokees go for morning walks at Taman Tun Fuad and the Likas Sports Complex. There are also outings such as to the Lokawi Wildlife Zoo, which receive enthusiastic response from strokees and carers alike. In true Malaysian fashion, there are also regular makan sessions during special occasions for fellowship.

Recently, NASAM Sabah also benefited from an extension of 300 sq. ft. to their therapy area. This was made possible by a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu. This new area allows better placement of the therapy equipment and stations where circuit training sessions are held.

The club also has access to an additional area with an elevated roof and tiled floor following renovations by the Girl Guides Association to convert the courtyard into a covered space. With this, interruption of outdoor activity by inclement weather is minimised.

Our Special ChesterChester Chua, 13, suffered an untimely stroke in August 2009. He came to NASAM Sabah two months later just before his UPSR examination.

Undeterred by his impairments, the young gutsy chap was intent on sitting for his examination. So, he doggedly worked at his therapy routines and recovered sufficiently for it.

A classic case of if there’s a will, there’s a way, Chester not only sat for the examination, but did well to score four Bs in Mathematics, English, Bahasa Malaysia and Science. Well done, Chester!

Intermediate group doing exercises.

Chester cooling down after exercise in the park.

6 | Stroke News

NASAM Ampang– The Neighbour Needed HelpJanet tells the story of how NASAM Ampang came about because of her mother’s neighbour, Dai Cheh, who was a strokee. Not only was she afflicted by stroke, Dai Cheh also had nobody to look after her.

Her family was told about NASAM PJ, but they could not afford to send her there. So, Janet’s generous mother offered to pay for the taxi fare so that she could go for treatment. However, after a few weeks Dai Cheh found the journey a little trying and gave up.

At that time Janet’s mother was also fighting valiantly against cancer, a battle that was sadly lost in 2002. With her passing, the house in Ampang became vacant. Janet and her sister generously decided to let the house be turned into a NASAM rehab centre rent-free for ten years.

When NASAM Ampang opened its doors early in 2003, its first strokees were a few who transferred from NASAM PJ because they lived in the city. Of course, Dai Cheh also came as she was now literally a wheelchair ride away.

Renovation of the house started in mid-2002. It was indeed a transformation as Janet narrates.

The Rotary Club of Ampang was among the first to step forward to offer assistance. Colin Jackson, then President, rallied the Rotarians to raise funds for the purchase of therapy equipment. Going the extra mile, they decided to adopt NASAM Ampang as one of their community service projects.

Since then, all subsequent Presidents have supported NASAM in various ways. The most significant contribution by the Rotarians was the conversion of a store room into the speech therapy room complete with airconditioning. They have also assisted NASAM at our food and fun fairs.

It had to be by divine providence that NASAM Ampang had rehab therapists right from the start. Ruth Paterson, a parent, responded to an advertisement that Margaret Chang, then NASAM’s Senior Manager, had placed in Friday Flash, the weekly newsletter of the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) to request for volunteers.

Ruth was, very fortunately for NASAM, a physiotherapist specialising in stroke cases. She brought along Ruchira Gupta, also a physiotherapist, Marie Antao, Sheela Kalavanan and a few other friends. They worked

Stroke News | 7

Great Recoveries With Speech TherapyNASAM Ampang is one of the two NASAM centres that have regular speech therapy sessions. The sessions in Ampang are conducted by Cecilia Santiago, our speech and language therapist.

NASAM Ampang hosted a forum on stroke and communication issues after stroke. The forum began with an informative talk by Cecilia, after which a few strokees shared their experiences and how speech and language therapy had helped to improve their quality of life.

Ungku Mokhsin talked about how he was much relieved when he was able to utter his own name after the initial 7 hours of having a stroke.

Lisa Leong expressed her anger and disappointment at how she had two episodes of feeling dizzy and unwell which were within the same year of a full-blown stroke being diagnosed.

Gloria Hayden shared about how her family sought early rehabilitation and after an initial difficult period post stroke she now enjoys travelling with her family, crocheting, arts and crafts and writing email to her daughter abroad.

Puan Rashidah described how by attending therapy sessions at NASAM, she has worked hard at improving her reading skills and memory difficulties which used to cause her much embarrassment and anxiety.

Mr. Gan was most animatedly able to tell the audience about his life using his communication book, which helped to cue his speech.

Carer, Hamzah spoke of how acceptance of stroke by the strokees and their family members was critical in the journey of recovery for the strokee. Familial support was another key factor to moving forward in rehabilitation. Sandra echoed these sentiments and described how having hope and patience in seeing small gains on a daily basis in her husband’s progress they are encouraged to stay positive and follow what they learnt from the therapy sessions.

The tenacity and determination displayed by both strokees and carers highlighted that after all they have been through, there certainly is life after stroke!

together to implement a therapy programme led by Ruth. Although most of them have since left the country, Ruth and friends were invaluable volunteers who started NASAM Ampang off on a firm footing.

From an initial group of three strokees, word soon spread and in no time the sessions were attended by about 20 strokees.

Today, NASAM Ampang is benefiting more than 60 strokees. The club is currently led by Tunku Rafidah Mustapha. She, together with a group of volunteers work hard to organise fundraising and other social events for the benefit of the strokees.

NASAM Ampang will be heading into its eighth year of operations.

“I Like This Place”“This place” is NASAM Ampang. Dr Amafuji Akikazu, 92, a former dentist, says it emphatically and in a very strong voice. There is joy on his face and his smile is from his heart.

Dr Amafuji declares in his ever jovial manner, “I have many friends here and there isn’t a dull moment”. He is recovering from a stroke in 2007 which affected his left side.

Dr Amafuji Akikazu

Survinder and Sariffudin doing word categorisation and meaning.

8 | Stroke News

NASAM Perak– By Strokees for StrokeesWhen Mrs Ann Cheam, 42, had a stroke in 2002, her depression was understandable. She was a dance teacher and a mother of two young children.

At the suggestion of her neurosurgeon to busy herself with something that would distract her from her impairments, she decided to do something for strokees. Through networking, she found another strokee, Leong Ah Kee, who also shared similar aspirations.

They contacted NASAM and were invited to a workshop for volunteers. There they also received advice on how to set up and run a NASAM rehab centre.

They went home and formed a committee to prepare for the opening of NASAM Perak. Apart from the two of them, the other committee members were Ann’s husband, Tony Cheam, Roseline Phong, Teoh Kok Eng, Choo Yok Yin and Foong Shook Fong.

NASAM Perak began operations in 2003 with a handful of strokees. It made steady progress. Apart from rehab therapy sessions strokees also do some gardening and go on outings. Ann resigned as Chairperson in 2007 to pursue new interests in her life. Before leaving she said, “I am proud of NASAM Perak. Acknowledging my own contribution to its set up and progress, I give myself a pat on the back. The club has helped me to grow and regain my self-esteem.”

Keenest and SpeediestElder Thong Soo Har first came for rehab in an ambulance and was carried on a stretcher. That was in October 2009. His was described as a severe case of stroke.

His relatives thought he would be bed-ridden for the rest of his life. They did not reckon with his will power and perseverance to get well.

He amazed everyone when only after three weeks of therapy he was able to sit up and could be transported in a wheelchair by his children. Now, he even manages to speak and is much more cheerful.

Rehab therapist, Nicky said, “He is the keenest strokee that I have met. He works very hard here and at home.”

What an inspiration!

Regretfully, Mr Thong had to stop attending NASAM programmes because he has difficulties with getting a carer.

After Ann left Surine Ho became the Chairperson. Surine was one of the earliest members of the club in Ipoh and played a significant part in fund-raising which helped the club to be self-supporting from the start. She gave up the position last year, citing family and business commitments. However, she has pledged to continue assisting with fund-raising.

Currently, the club is headed by Dr Barry Tan, who is assisted by his wife, Kim. We are encouraged by their commitment to support the work of NASAM. The club also has two rehab therapists and an administrative assistant, who manage the day-to-day activities.

It is facilitating the recovery of over 20 strokees.

Visiting premises of benefactor, Legend of Tea.

Strokees doing soft roll excercises.

Stroke News | 9

NASAM JOHOR– Young And EnthusiasticNASAM Johor is a young member in the NASAM stable. Prior to coming under the NASAM umbrella in 2007, it was a rehabilitation centre administered by the Rotary Club of Tebrau Foundation for people with neuro-disorders and who needed physiotherapy.

The Rotarians approached NASAM during one of our public forums on stroke awareness. They requested NASAM to take over their centre because they were facing various constraints and found it difficult to sustain the project.

Following further discussion, NASAM agreed to take over the centre. In accordance with the objectives of NASAM, its activities were restructured to focus only on rehabilitation for stroke survivors. From the response and feedback of the public forum, NASAM had identified that there was a need for a NASAM club to be established in Johor.

On 4 January 2007, the Rotarians handed their centre over to NASAM, but pledged to support it for one more year. After finding its footing, NASAM Johor had its official opening on February 18, 2009 by YAM Raja Zarith Sofiah.

Through networking, Mr Phoon Chee Yap was identified by Janet to be the local Chairman for NASAM Johor. Although initially hesitant, Mr Phoon has held this position since and is supported by an enthusiastic committee. The rest of the committee were Karen Aw as Vice Chairperson, Jane Chong as Secretary, Chin Sheng Yee as Treasurer. Karen and Chin have since resigned and Khoo Lea Hua is the current Treasurer.

The local subcommittee comprised a small group of friends who shared an interest to help stroke survivors. They visited the NASAM club in Petaling Jaya to get a first-hand view of the operations of a club. The group was impressed by what they saw and were touched by the experience of the strokees.

The Committee has worked hard to raise funds to support the operations of the club through a fundraising dinner, by participating in NASAM’s Malaysia’s Biggest Breakfast and recently organising their first food and fun fair.

Much effort has also been made to raise public awareness of NASAM and the local club’s activities. These have been done through open days and talks to staff of local companies and organisations.

Currently, NASAM Johor is supporting the recovery of an average of about 40 stroke survivors monthly. The strokees are of a wide age range, including the youngest at four years old.

Stroke StrikesAcross AgesIt used to be a common perception that stroke afflicts only the elderly. That perception is increasingly proving to be untrue. Based on the stroke survivors coming through the doors of NASAM centres, it is becoming evident that stroke can strike anyone.

Take fair-complexioned and wide-eyed Isabelle Lee, for example. This precocious four-year-old moves around with ease and confidence. If one does not look too closely, one would not notice the slight limp.

In fact, Isabelle is a victim of congenital stroke. Her parents were not aware that there was anything wrong with her until she was nine months old, when a child usually begins to learn to walk. At that time, they noticed something odd about her movement. After the diagnosis of her condition, they had to wait for Isabelle to be able to walk before sending her for rehabilitative therapy.

Isabelle joined NASAM Johor in March 2008 when she was almost two. After two years, she feels very at home when she comes for her therapy sessions and is loved by everyone. Indeed, her bubbly nature is like a ray of sunshine.

Isabelle interacting with fellow strokees.

10 | Stroke News

NASAM Malacca– A Stalwart’s BrainchildNASAM Malacca was yet another brainchild of pioneer stalwart Kamsiah Mohammad. When her parents’ home in Bukit Baru became vacant, she generously offered it rent-free for five years to NASAM to open a new centre in Malacca.

Janet brought the idea to an old friend, Pang Siew Fian who runs a legal practice there. With some hesitation due to a heavy workload, Siew Fian accepted the challenge and committed to do the best she could. She roped in her colleague, Jenny Ng to act as Secretary and together they engaged an Administrative Assistant, Mrs T S Nathan and a part-time rehab therapist. They were the nucleus of NASAM Malacca when it started in 2004.

Time has flown by and the five-year rent-free tenancy came to an end. NASAM Malacca has since moved to another bungalow and currently provides rehabilitative therapy to a monthly average of over thirty strokees. Apart from the therapy sessions, the strokees are also motivated to come to NASAM Malacca because it offers them an avenue for socialising as well.

Today, the centre is primarily run by Administrative Assistant, Jeffery Lee and two rehab therapists with support from NASAM.

Jeffery came to NASAM as a volunteer through his work with the Befrienders. When Mrs Nathan retired, the strokees asked Jeffery to consider taking on the job. After careful thought, Jeffery accepted the position.

Since he joined, the number of strokees has doubled. He points out that 70 per cent of the strokees attend the daily therapy sessions regularly. There have been

Driving InstructorMakes ProgressDriving instructor, Lee Mock Wah who is in his fifties, came to NASAM Malacca following his discharge from hospital after a month’s stay. He was stricken by a stroke in June 2009.

Since coming for rehabilitative therapy every morning accompanied by his wife, it is a joy to see Lee now being able to sit up without falling over. He has also regained some ability to walk. Such progress is possible because with her support, he also diligently does the exercises at home.

several who have dropped out because they had problems with arranging for transport to and fro.

NASAM Malacca is also grateful for support from the Rotary Club of Kota Melaka. The Rotarians organised a dinner recently to raise funds for a new tilt table.

One step at a time ...

Stroke News | 11

NASAM Kuantan– First on the East CoastThe latest addition to the NASAM stable is NASAM Kuantan. It was initiated by members of the Rotary Club of Indera Mahkota.

The Rotarians’ first connection with NASAM was made back in 2007 when their club helped to organise a stroke awareness talk in Kuantan. According to the then President-elect of the Rotary Club , Rotarian Chua Say Hand, the need for a stroke rehab centre became apparent when the father of one of their members had a stroke and there was no place for them to turn to for help.

This prompted a group of them to make a visit to NASAM in Petaling Jaya to see first-hand the operations of one of NASAM’s centres. Armed with new knowledge and bubbling with enthusiasm the group embarked on a plan to make a NASAM club in Kuantan a reality.

A few of the Rotarians, led by Dato’ Ng Koong Sinn, constitute the NASAM Kuantan Committee, which is autonomous of the Rotary Club. Nevertheless, the Rotary Club has pledged their support to NASAM for its initial years and this has been evident from day one.

The seed fund of RM10,000 for the establishment of the centre was raised with the help of the Inner Wheel ladies through a Bake ‘N Buy. The Ramon Magsaysay Foundation in the Philippines also extended some support.

It was not until two years later in 2009 that the official processes and renovations of the premises were completed for it to receive its first members. After operating successfully for a year, NASAM Kuantan was officially opened on 21 August 2010 by ADUN of Teruntum YB Chang Hong Seong who was representing YB Dato’ Hoh Kai Mun, State Exco member for Health and Environment.

Early ArrivalWong Nyok Sang, 68, was among the earliest arrivals at NASAM Kuantan. Wong’s son, Alex said his father suffered his first stroke in 2003 and a year later had a second stroke which left him bed-ridden. Before NASAM opened, the family had been sending him to the General Hospital for physiotherapy and also tried acupuncture and massage. However, these were of little help.

Alex said, “We brought him to NASAM Kuantan as soon as it opened. After four months he started showing improvements – his posture improved and he is more alert.”

It is clearly evident that NASAM Kuantan is doing a great service to the local stroke-afflicted community.

NASAM Kuantan’s opening ceremony.

Art therapy at batik centre in Kuantan.

12 | Stroke News

Engaging The PublicFundraising is a very essential part of NASAM’s activities. These activities take the form of food and fun fairs, charity dinners, concerts and sponsored events.

Food and Fun FairsIn July 2010 NASAM staff and volunteers from the PJ and Ampang clubs organised “Fun on the Roof” the eighth annual food and fun fair. This marks the first time the food and fun fair was held on a building rooftop. We are grateful to Jaya 33 who kindly offered the use of their premises and also facilitated the organising of the event in many ways.

An added twist to this year’s event was the attempt to minimise the use of plastic and styrofoam containers so that the Association could reduce its carbon footprint. Wherever possible, food was served and packed using containers of biodegradable palm fibre. Those coming to support the event were encouraged to bring along reusable carry bags and their own containers for take-aways.

NASAM Johor held its inaugural food and fun fair on 10 October 2010 at SRJK Foon Yew 1 in Johor Bahru. The guest of honour was YB Dato’ Sri Utama Hj Shahrir bin Hj Abdul Samad who has shown keen interest in the work of NASAM Johor. A representative from the City Council also visited the fair. Apart from food and games, there were also a few entertainment items such as the ‘Michael Jackson’ show and local entertainer, Allan Chin was also in attendance to help promote NASAM.

Charity MealsIn conjunction with the official opening of their premises, NASAM Kuantan organised a fundraising dinner at Sekilau Restaurant. Keeping their pledge to support NASAM Kuantan the Rotary Club of Indera Mahkota made a donation of RM10,000. The dinner was well-supported by the Kuantan community through attendance at the dinner and also cash donations.

NASAM clubs are not short of ideas when it comes to fundraising. In Sabah, arrangements were made with Wagamama restaurant to serve a special menu for vouchers sold by NASAM. In this way the local community could lend support simply by ‘eating for charity’.

ConcertsNASAM Penang organised their second charity concert, “Night of the Keys”. NASAM is grateful to The Truly Loving Company and Roland Corporation Japan for their collaboration in this project.

The audience was given a rare treat by accordian player, Tracy Collins from New Zealand. Accomplished organist, Ryoki Yamaguchi rendered melodic tunes from various genres. WVC Trio +1 comprising Malaysian Tay Cher Siang and his colleagues from West Virginia University entertained with their unique arrangements of jazz and rock tunes. Completing the list was musical protégé, Jeremy Yeo Jia Cai, 16, a rising star in piano recital.

NASAM is grateful to a generous benefactor who sponsored the cost of an evening of the musical, “Glitz & Glamour” by Dama Orchestra on 29 October 2010. Proceeds from ticket sales and other donations raised in conjunction with the event were channelled entirely to NASAM to support our operational costs.

Donation from Rotary Club of Indera Mahkota.

Getting ready for ‘Fun on the Roof’.

Stroke News | DEC 2010

Malaysia’s Biggest BreakfastNASAM’s second Malaysia’s Biggest Breakfast was held from 15-24 October 2010. Breakfasts were hosted by NASAM centres, individuals, companies and institutions of learning. Special thanks go to Nestlé, who once again was the main sponsor of this project and McCann Worldgroup Malaysia who apart from designing the collaterals also hosted a breakfast.

NASAM extends our thanks to all organisations who undertook the task of hosting. We especially welcome newcomer from the education sector INTI Education Group. Also hosting for the fi rst time was the Emergency Department of UKM Medical Centre. NASAM particularly appreciates the efforts of individuals who opened their homes and those who took the trouble to organise the event at restaurants.

Enclosed is a cheque payable to NASAM for RM .........................

I would like to pledge RM......................... per month for one year.

Yes, please include me in the NASAM mailing list.

I would like to sponsor a therapist. Please contact me.

Please provide me with more information to serve on a voluntary basis.

*All your donations will be acknowledged with an offi cial tax exempt receipt.

Please mail your cheques to:National Stroke Association of Malaysia12, Jalan 7/2, 46050 Petaling Jaya | Tel : 03-7956 4840 | Fax : 03-7954 2275 | www.nasam.org

YES! I want to contribute.Name : IC No. :

Address :

Tel (H) : Tel (O) : HP No. :

Email :

Tel (H) : Tel (O) : HP No. :

Name : IC No. :

Address :

Tel (H) : Tel (O) : HP No. :Tel (H) : Tel (O) : HP No. :Tel (H) : Tel (O) : HP No. :Tel (H) : Tel (O) : HP No. :

Dear Friends of NASAM

Please give generously to those who need your help. By giving NASAM a donation, you will help stroke survivors to help themselves. Your contribution is vital. With your kindness you can make a stroke survivor’s wish come true.

Nestle’s breakfast at Jaya One.