EL PASO, Texas – University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) is stepping up its commitment to stroke care with a free, one‑day summit aimed at survivors, caregivers and the broader community. The event will be held Saturday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive.
Why the summit matters
Strokes remain a leading cause of long‑term disability, often requiring years of rehabilitation. UMC, which treats more than 700 stroke patients annually, says the summit is a “step forward” in helping those affected navigate the challenges of recovery and regain independence.
Program highlights
Attendees can expect a full schedule of expert education, including presentations from neurologists, physical therapists and social‑service specialists. The hospital has also arranged a live‑stream of the sessions for those unable to travel.
One of the centerpiece speakers is Maggie Whittam, a 33‑year‑old survivor of a brain‑stem stroke. Whittam, who lives with permanent physical and visual impairments, will share her personal journey and discuss the documentary she is producing, The Great Now What, which explores resilience after a health crisis.
Community voices
Carla Escobar, a UMC spokesperson, emphasized the power of personal testimony: “I think each testimonial will be an inspiration to all of our guests because each experience is unique.” The summit will feature additional survivor stories, giving families and caregivers a chance to hear real‑world strategies for coping with daily challenges.
Beyond the summit
UMC highlighted two ongoing resources that complement the event. First, the hospital operates a mobile stroke unit that brings rapid assessment and treatment to neighborhoods across El Paso, reducing the critical time between symptom onset and care. Second, UMC runs monthly support groups for stroke survivors and their families, offering a consistent forum for education, peer support and encouragement.
How to attend
While admission is free, participants are asked to reserve a spot through the UMC website to help the organizers manage capacity. The site provides a simple registration form and additional details about parking, accessibility and COVID‑19 safety protocols.
Looking ahead
UMC hopes the summit will spark a broader conversation about stroke prevention, early detection and long‑term rehabilitation in the El Paso region. By bringing together medical experts, survivors and community members, the hospital aims to strengthen the network of support that families need to thrive after a stroke.
For more information and to register, visit UMC’s stroke summit page.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
