Phillippe Saisse, Jeff Golub, Dillard Boone, Kirk Whalum and Hazella Rollins-LaVar
Over the summer, the Yonkers-based Stroke of Hope Foundation celebrated their First Annual Celebration of Hope- Remembering Luther Vandross. The event featured renowned saxophonist Kirk Whalum, with friends Jeff Golub and Phillippe Saisse at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. The concert commemorated the second anniversary of the death of singer Luther Vandross, who had suffered from a debilitating stroke. His mother Mary Ida Vandross has been very involved in speaking about stroke and diabetes prevention.
Stroke of Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life for people affected by stroke. Its goal is to create awareness, promote prevention and provide support for Stroke Survivors, their Care Partners, and families by encouraging physical and emotional recovery, and maintaining an on-line support system.
A short documentary was shown prior to the concert. Hazella Rollins-LaVar, the executive director, and founder of the organization, recounted her own stroke survival story, days after giving birth to her daughter Valerie. She was a professional opera singer, and the stroke left her partially paralyzed and unable to walk, talk or swallow. The documentary featured her husband Jeff, and sister-in-law Ellin, as well as health professionals, and her extended network of support.
Hazella Rollins-LaVar’s faith and determination has helped in her in a more than nine-month rehabilitation process recovery. Today, it is hard to imagine that she had suffered such a life-altering event. She has been able to challenge a set of otherwise tragic circumstances, by creating an organization that now has a national presence.
Stroke of Hope chapters are rapidly forming across the country, and many members were at the concert.
Hazella Rollins-LaVar also had a connection to Kirk Whalum, as his father had suffered from a stroke. For months, she traveled to see his recovery along in Memphis. Sadly, Reverend Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr. lost his battle in November. Kirk Whalum is still moving forward with continuing the advocacy for the Stroke of Hope Foundation.
It was an amazing night of entertainment. The Whalum family was well represented, as Kirk’s son Kyle played bass, and Kirk’s brother, singer Kevin Whalum later graced the stage with singer Vaneese Thomas. The show closed with a rendition of the Luther Vandross hit, There’s Nothing Better than Love.
Mount Vernon had a significant presence at the event, as the Grace Baptist Church Choir performed prior to the jazz performance. City resident Dillard Boone, a who also serves as the New York Chapter President of Stroke of Hope, presented Kirk Whalum with artwork, in gratitude for his tireless efforts in support of the organization
According to the Stroke of Hope Foundation:a stroke occurs in the U.S. every 45 seconds. It is the third leading cause of death and the #1 cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S. African Americans are highest at risk, while about 40,000 more women than men suffer from a stroke each year.
Stroke of Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life for people affected by stroke. Its goal is to create awareness, promote prevention and provide support for Stroke Survivors, their Care Partners, and families by encouraging physical and emotional recovery, and maintaining an on-line support system.
For more information contact the organization here.