Hello, everyone! Welcome to MyStrokeBox. My name is Lee Dwyer, and I started this nonprofit to benefit stroke survivors and those who know anyone who has suffered a brain injury.

On December 1st, 2016, I suffered a massive stroke. I was left paralyzed on my left side, and struggling with various cognitive deficits. I also suffered from extreme depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I was only 14 years old, and it was extremely difficult for people to know how to offer me comfort or hope during that time. It's a frightening and isolating experience, no matter who you are. Strokes are extremely common, and almost everyone knows someone who's suffered one. But it can be hard to think of what to do in the way of mental or emotional support for stroke/brain injury survivors. However, simple acts of love that people did for me meant the world. Here are a few that would inspire me later on (and may give anyone supporting stroke survivors an idea of how to help them):

Soon after I returned home from the hospital, I received a care package from my cousin. It was a big, blank cardboard box stuffed with items such as candy, movies, and a hand-tied blanket. This was an incredible boost to my mental health, and I still remember how excited I was to receive it. I also received an astronomical amount of signs, messages and letters from neighbors, classmates, family and friends. I think I got over 100 letters in total. These displays of support meant so much that they became catalysts for something even greater in the future. 

Months after my stroke, I started hearing more about children with strokes and how difficult their paths were after such a catastrophic event. This, of course, struck a deeply personal chord, and I switched focus from self-improvement to aiding the recovery journeys of other kids like me.

In February 2018, I began to develop ideas on how to help other stroke survivors' mental health. I remembered the box that my cousin sent me. I remembered all the signs and supportive messages that I had received. And I combined all of these meaningful experiences into one incredible package: MyStrokeBox.
 
Each StrokeBox© has 7 items: a handmade blanket (inspired by my cousin), a fidget cube (that entertained me in the hospital), modeling clay (that i used in occupational therapy), a polyester animal toy (that i used in physical therapy), a handwritten card (also inspired by my cousin), a teddy bear (who doesn't love a teddy bear?), and a typed manual that briefly explains the origins of MyStrokeBox and the items inside each StrokeBox©. Every item benefits everyone, no matter their age or background.

I am unbelievably proud of this company and what it stands for. MyStrokeBox is meant to provide comfort and stability to any stroke survivor (or brain injury survivor) who needs it. Every box is hand-packed, and personally shipped to anywhere in the world. There is now an option on our website to purchase a StrokeBox© for yourself. And best of all: 100% of funds from each purchased StrokeBox© goes towards funding another one that will be donated for free to hospitals, charities, in-patient therapy facilities, retirement homes, etc. 


We hope you enjoy your StrokeBox©! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@my-strokebox.com, or via our Contact page.

Lee Dwyer
Founder, CEO of MyStrokeBox©