New stroke support organization member - My Ability In Disability Foundation

18 Feb 2025 Stroke awareness

Emonena Abenabe Akwara—a lawyer, speaker, stroke survivor, author, and entrepreneur introduces the My Ability In Disability Foundation

At the age of 23, I suffered a stroke that changed my life. It took nearly 24 hours and five different hospitals before I received medical attention. Three years later, I lost my mother to chronic kidney disease. These experiences exposed me to the urgent need for better stroke awareness and medical responsiveness, leading me to establish My Ability In Disability Foundation (M.A.I.D).

My mission is to build a sustainable support system where stroke survivors can easily access healthcare information, rehabilitation resources, and financial aid.

Beyond advocacy, I am passionate about writing. My first book, Hey, I Almost Died, shares my personal journey with stroke and resilience. My upcoming children’s book, Hey! I Spotted A Stroke, launching on February 22, 2025, is designed to teach children about stroke warning signs and how they can help loved ones in emergencies. Through storytelling, I hope to create a new generation of stroke-aware individuals who will contribute to a healthier society.

M.A.I.D is a nonprofit organization committed to raising stroke awareness, supporting stroke survivors and caregivers, and advocating for accessible healthcare and rehabilitation services. Founded in 2019, M.A.I.D has impacted over 5,000 lives through awareness programs, scholarships for children of stroke survivors, and grants to help survivors rebuild their lives. It is situated in Lagos, Nigeria.

M.A.I.D addresses the critical knowledge gap surrounding stroke, particularly in Nigeria and Africa. Many people fail to recognize stroke warning signs or seek immediate medical care, leading to poor outcomes. Additionally, stroke survivors and their families face challenges such as rehabilitation, financial burdens, and reintegration into society. The foundation works to bridge these gaps through education, funding support programs, and fostering a stroke-aware society.

One of M.A.I.D’s primary initiatives is organizing stroke awareness seminars for schools, businesses, and organizations. These programs educate individuals about stroke prevention, early detection, and lifestyle modifications to reduce risk. By integrating stroke awareness into workplaces and schools, M.A.I.D empowers people with life-saving knowledge.

The foundation also runs a scholarship program for children of stroke survivors, ensuring that financial hardships do not disrupt their education. Additionally, M.A.I.D provides support grants to help stroke survivors with rehabilitation, mobility aids, and other essential needs.

To expand its reach, M.A.I.D is developing a Stroke Awareness Hub website, which will serve as a comprehensive digital platform offering educational resources, survivor stories, medical guidance, and community support for survivors and caregivers.

Current Activities & Future Goals

Expanding Stroke Awareness Programs – We aim to reach over 10,000 people in 2025 through increased partnerships with schools, businesses, and organizations.
Scholarships & Grants – In 2025, we plan to fund scholarships for 100 children of stroke survivors and provide 100 support grants to help survivors with rehabilitation and essential needs.
Stroke Awareness Hub Website – This upcoming digital platform will provide stroke survivors, caregivers, and the public with vital information and community support.
Book Launch & Community Engagement – The launch of Hey! I Spotted A Stroke will introduce stroke education to children in an engaging way. We are seeking partnerships to donate copies to underserved communities.

At M.A.I.D, our vision is clear: to create a world where stroke awareness saves lives, survivors receive the support they need, and no one faces the journey alone. We are committed to making a lasting impact.

Stay connected with us:
Website: www.maidfoundation.com Instagram: @maidfoundation Youtube: @maidfoundation