Started as a small support group in 1996 by Janet Yeo following her stroke, the National Stroke Association of Malaysia has grown into a respected national provider of post-stroke rehabilitation.
The National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM) was set up in 1996 with a mission to provide affordable, stroke specific rehabilitation therapy and post-stroke support to stroke survivors and their families, as well as to create stroke awareness among the Malaysian public. Its tagline has always been ‘There is Life after Stroke’.
The seed for NASAM was sown in 1995, when stroke survivor Janet Yeo’s story of recovery appeared in a newspaper. This prompted an avalanche of responses from the public and resulted in the formation of a stroke support group. The group initially met for talks from healthcare professionals but as word spread, many called for the development of services for stroke survivors (known as strokees at NASAM).
NASAM’s first physiotherapist Doreen Tan recalls: “We had about four strokees in the beginning. The numbers grew very quickly and our daily two-hour sessions crept from the porch into Janet’s house. Not long after, we realised we needed extra hands and that’s when volunteers first came to our rescue. Soon after it evolved into a place where strokees and caregivers could gather for therapy, advice, information, friendship and, at times, a shoulder to cry on.’’
Today NASAM carries out its work through eight stroke centres throughout Malaysia, in Petaling Jaya, Penang, Sabah, Ampang, Malacca, Perak, Johor and Kuantan. These centres provide affordable stroke specific rehabilitation from Monday to Friday. Stroke survivors have a choice of group therapy or a customised one-on-one therapy, or both.
‘’At NASAM we advocate prompt rehabilitation for the stroke survivor and counselling for the carer. Over the years we have encouraged and guided thousands of stroke survivors and their families to begin a new journey and to celebrate life after stroke. NASAM has succeeded despite huge challenges because we have remained very focused on our mission. We wish to be able to continue serving the stroke community in Malaysia for many more years to come. We want to give stroke champions a second chance to live life to the fullest no matter what the odds!’’ says Janet Yeo, founder and chair of NASAM.
NASAM has achieved many significant milestones but, with the rising numbers of stroke cases, there’s still more that needs to be done. Today more than 50,000 people have a stroke every year in Malaysia. Adapting to the times, in 2020 Telehealth programmes were developed to better serve the community during the pandemic. To also facilitate recovery, and in tandem with its mission to create awareness and education, regular webinars are hosted and talks given in work environments, higher learning institutions and in community settings. Another major achievement of NASAM has been the Stroke Games. Held in 2017 and 2019, stroke survivors compete in a range of modified sports, including track events.
As well as delivering its rehabilitation programmes, NASAM is a key member of the global stroke support organisation network, collaborating at a national and international level. NASAM partners with the Malaysia Stroke Council and Boehringer Ingelheim on stroke awareness projects and is a member of the World Stroke Organization. In 2022, NASAM is co-facilitating the Stroke Exchange advocacy forum at the World Stroke Congress and NASAM members are sharing their lived experience during the Congress.
The work of NASAM continues to be as important as ever. Public hospitals in Malaysia cannot provide daily rehabilitation services for stroke survivors and not everyone can afford private care. NASAM’s unique extended programmes provide a holistic service for stroke survivors as part of the healing process that’s so crucial following a stroke.
‘’NASAM has shown remarkable resilience throughout the years and continues to fight for stroke survivors even during the challenging Covid pandemic. It is important for us – the healthcare and business communities and the public – to support NASAM….to drive forward their stroke awareness programmes and comprehensive services to support life after a stroke’’ says Dr. Wan Asyraf Wan Zaidi, Vice Chairman Malaysia Stroke Council, Stroke Neurologist – UKM, and WSO Future Leader.
This blog is adapted from the National Stroke Association of Malaysia’s Stroke News – June 2022
For more information on NASAM visit: https://www.nasam.org/
Visit Stroke Connector to read the case study on NASAM's telehealth programme
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