March newsletter 2025
I have some exciting changes to share with you.
In this issue...
As the new Chair of the Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand Board, I'm delighted to introduce myself, and share this very special edition of our newsletter with you. This month the newsletter introduces you to our new branding - as well as our usual monthly features, including inspiring stories from the stroke affected community and upcoming events you can attend to support you on your stroke journey.
Introducing Catherine Epps, our new Board Chair
I am a Speech-language Therapist by training who specialised in rehabilitation, including working with the people and their families who had experienced a stroke. Getting to know people living with a brain injury made an enduring impression on me, and since then, I have continued to seek ways to make an impact for people finding their way with long term health conditions.
I have been on the Stroke Foundation NZ Board for several years, including as Deputy Chair prior to my recent appointment as Board Chair. I also have had experience on the Board of Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington.
For my day job, I am the Director, Medical Devices at Pharmac. I migrated from the UK in 2006, and I love enjoying the best of New Zealand; tramping, sailing, and hanging out with my whānau.
The Flame of Hope
Stroke survivors and their whānau tell us every day how important hope is. Hope they will be able to live their best life. Hope that we can prevent more people from experiencing the devastating impact of stroke. And hope that more lives can be saved. Hope is central to our new way of describing what we do. Te Ahi Tūmanako: The Flame of Hope.
Today, we are rolling out a new look and feel for the Stroke Foundation – or as we're now called, Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand. We hope you like it as much as we do and will support us to keep the flame of hope burning bright.
As a charity that relies on the generosity of supporters like you, we feel acutely the responsibility to use every one of our supporters’ hard-earned dollars with great care and ensure that every cent has the biggest impact possible. I want to assure you the costs of creating this new brand have been largely covered by a very generous donor, who included a gift in their will for this purpose.
Join the Online Stroke Cafe
It's a new year so our online Stroke Cafe is back! This is a free online event that lets people connect with others affected by stroke from the comfort of their own home. Each session covers a different topic relevant to stroke and aiding recovery, and there is an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.
Michael Johnson: Super Man
Michael Johnson is often considered one of the world's greatest athletes - and in 2018, he also became a stroke survivor. Over the next month, Rialto Channel is showing a documentary about Michael Johnson's life - his unbelievable athletic feats, his unexpected stroke, and his incredible recovery.
Charlotte's story
"I unfortunately know what stroke can take from families."
Charlotte Koers didn't know much about stroke - until in 2022, her father passed away as the result of a stroke. Taking this experience, she decided that she was going to make a difference in her community - and the lives of all people affected by stroke.
Your next Stroke Aotearoa newsletter will come from Jo Lambert, like usual. Thank you for your ongoing support of our mahi, and for helping us to ignite the flame of hope, so that it can burn brightly as we strive together for a stroke-free Aotearoa.
Noho ora mai, stay well
Catherine Epps
Board Chair | Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand