A Living Tribute Honoring Stroke Survivors

May 12, 2006

Health Hope Network held a tree-planting ceremony and luncheon on April 27, 2006 at Round Hill Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, PA in honor of the Elizabeth Stroke Survivor Group members and in memory of two past members, Jean Boyd and Arlene Seamon. "As Arbor Day approached, I presented the idea of a tree-planting ceremony to the group," said Penny Locke, Group Leader for the Elizabeth Stroke Survivor Connection. "They were very receptive to the idea of having a living, lasting symbol of the fellowship they share." Ms. Locke purchased the Red Bud tree with funds donated by current group members. Thanks to Round Hill Presbyterian Church, which is a sponsor site of weekly SSC meetings, and Mike Isbir of Isbir Landscaping & Construction Company, the tree was planted in front of the Church during a short ceremony. Participants included Ms. Locke, members of the Elizabeth SSC, Health Hope Network Executive Director Dotti Bechtol and relatives of Ms. Boyd and Ms. Seamon. "The Health Hope Network staff and members of the SSC are honored to memorialize Jean and Arlene by planting this tree at Round Hill," said Bechtol. "Each time we all see this Red Bud, we will remember Jean and Arlene with fondness." The SSC is funded through private donations and from proceeds generated by the Health Hope Network annual FLU B•GONE campaign, the largest flu shot program in Allegheny County. For more information on the Health Hope Network SSC at a location near you call 412-937-8350 or explore the Stroke Survivor Connection program section of our website.

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