According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke each year. While rehabilitation is often a difficult road, a South Bay couple is providing valuable support to local patients.
Deb and Bob Shaw embrace stroke survivors and their families in a unique event where participants can play golf from their wheelchairs.
Hundreds of people after a stroke are learning how to balance their lives in ways many never thought possible thanks to the couple’s Golf 4 Life meeting.
“So we’re trying to create those locations where people can get out of the house and do things in a safe environment,” Bob said.
“You can do more, but you have to have that open mind to believe in yourself and fight back,” added Deb, who herself suffered three strokes several years ago that left her with mobility problems.
She has persevered through therapy and her “three Ps”: 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 were never taught what to do. So we had a simple philosophy: We’re going to try anything as long as it’s safe,” he explained.
The Shaws realized they could help other stroke survivors. So the couple moved from the world of technology startups to found their own Los Gatos-based nonprofit, Champion the Challenges, in 2020.
In addition to in-person events, they have reached tens of thousands of people across the country by sharing information booklets and Deb’s inspirational journey.
“That gives them hope, strength and courage. You have to champion the challenges of life after a stroke,” she said.
At the nonprofit’s largest gathering, Golf 4 Life: Balancing Life After Stroke, people will learn about everything from canine companions to music therapy.
The 4th annual event at Los Lagos Golf Course in San Jose is a place to cheer and be encouraged.
“They are a huge inspiration to me,” said 18-year-old Mariah Fisher, who suffered a stroke six years ago due to a rare brain disease. She is grateful that she can now inspire others with her own story.
“I’ve met a lot of people, and that really helps me too, because, you know, community,” Fisher said.
Neuropsychologist Dr. Naz Motayar says Deb and Bob have created a community of hope.
“That’s what Deb and Bob have done. They’re making healing possible for so many people,” said Dr. Motayar. “It really is more than magical.”
So for helping people chart a course to live their best lives after a stroke, this week’s Bay Area Jefferson Award goes to Deb and Bob Shaw.
