April 1, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Stroke Survivor Support Group

By Kelly Hartog

In 2009, Dana Rivera was a healthy, happy woman in her 40s who exercised six days a week and was raising four teenagers. And then she suffered a stroke that completely changed her life.

Rivera’s stroke was the result of a birth defect – a hole in her heart – that she knew nothing about until devastation struck. Through hard work and dedication, over the course of a year, she made a complete recovery. Today she facilitates not one, but four stroke recovery groups in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood and Santa Monica.

Her path began about a year after her recovery when she began volunteering at UCLA Ronald Reagan’s support group setting in the acute center where she had been a patient. “It was born on the heels of me wanting to share my story,” she told Mirror Media. “I was the [recovery] example and could show that there is life after stroke.”

Rivera facilitated that group for seven years on a weekly basis and then four years ago started her first private support group in Pacific Palisades. A year after that she began the Brentwood group and her groups at UCLA Santa Monica and St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica started a year ago.

“When you have a stroke it can become such an isolating incident,” Rivera said. “While everybody’s story is different and everyone is going to have a different outcome, when you’re in a camaraderie together, it motivates you and pushes you toward recovery.”

She also makes sure attendees feel safe and comfortable in the group environment. “You’re very vulnerable when you have a stroke and it’s an emotional roller coaster. You have to be raw and real and it’s scary to show that side of yourself.”

To help people through their recovery, Rivera said she speaks about making a yardstick of where they began when they first had their stroke to looking at where they are today. She also points people to resources and new technologies and brings in guest speakers.

One of the most important things Rivera brings to her groups is her ability to just listen to their stories. “I believe just by being me and holding space and encouraging them is important.”

A great deal of stroke survival is dependent on constantly doing repetitive exercises. “For some people it’s too difficult or too boring and when they don’t see immediate results they want to give up,” Rivera said. “But I’m constantly cheerleading for them and showing them the importance of repetition. You have to learn how to find patience because it literally is one day at a time. That, and being hopeful.”

Rivera’s support groups are held at:

The Presbyterian Church in Pacific Palisades every second Thursday of the month from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

University Synagogue in Brentwood on the first and third Monday of each month from 2 – 3:30 p.m.

UCLA Santa Monica at 16th Street every third Wednesday from 3 – 4 p.m.

St. John’s Hospital every first Friday of the month from 2 – 3 p.m. (There is also free valet parking.)

Dana Rivera has changed her suffering from a stroke into awareness and support campaigns.

For more information email danasusanrivera@gmail.com

<>Related Posts

Palisades Youth Soccer Team Fundraises to Compete in Sweden Tournament

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The team is raising funds through GoFundMe, with donations aimed at covering travel costs, accommodations, and fees A youth soccer...

Seven-Bedroom Venice Pad on Shell Ave. Hits Market at Under $7M

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The home sits on a 5,740-square-foot lot and includes a two-car garage A newly listed property in Venice, featuring modern...

School of Rock Students Shine in Winter Performance Despite Widespread Fires

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Summer Camp Registration Opens Now By Susan Payne Wildfire devastation wreaked havoc in areas of Los Angeles this January with...

City Approves Redevelopment Deal for Civic Auditorium

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Officials said the next phase of the process includes site analyses to assess redevelopment viability The Santa Monica City Council...

SM.a.r.t. Column: Smart Home Systems and IoT Sensors: The New Frontline Against Wildfires

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

In a world where wildfire threats grow more ominous each year, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding at the intersection...

Former Married… With Children Actress Found Dead in Malibu Mansion

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Homicide Detectives Review Death of CSI Miami and ER Actress Authorities are investigating the death of 58-year-old actress Cindyana Santangelo,...

New Deadline, More Access: LA County Debris Program Expands Scope, Extends Signup

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Officials Broaden Scope to Help More Residents, Encourage Early Submission Los Angeles County officials have announced that FEMA has agreed...

Judge to L.A. Leaders: ‘I Am Your Worst Nightmare’ in Scathing Homeless Spending Rebuke

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Carter Warns of Court Intervention if City and County Fail to Fix Broken Systems U.S. District Judge David O. Carter,...

Mayor Karen Bass Texts Sent During the Palisades Fire Have Been Released

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Newly Recovered Texts Were Recovered After Sharp Criticism Over Deletions As wildfires swept through Los Angeles in early January, Mayor...

The Blue Notebook: Santa Monica Police Department Weekly Activity Report: March 9–15

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Spike in Arrests, Drug Incidents, and Mental Health Calls in Santa Monica By Lewis Gilmour During the week of March...

Film Review: Snow White

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

FILM REVIEWSNOW WHITERated PG109 MinutesReleased March 21st  The Snow White fairy tale was compiled by the Brothers Grimm in the...

THIS WEEKEND: Palisades High to Host Benefit to Support Displaced Students

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

The evening aims to bring the Pali High community together while raising funds through sponsorships, donations, and an ongoing online...

March Madness Celebration Coming to Santa Monica Pier

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

The celebration will culminate in an evening viewing party at Patio 66, where fans can watch the games while enjoying...

Cinque Terre West Reopens in Venice After Palisades Closure

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

The Vinzonis have now joined The Colony, a food hall in Venice, to continue serving their signature dishes Nine months...

Film Review: A Working Man

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

By Dolores Quintana A Working Man is the second collaboration between director David Ayer and actor Jason Statham, in which...