MONROE— Township residentWayne Lubowicki was an active member of the community who was described as a man always on the go.
However, everything changed in November 2006, when Lubowicki suffered a stroke. Now 5½ years later, he is still recovering.
High blood pressure was a significant factor, a fact unknown to him prior to his stroke.
“For 54 years I was a bull, never went to the doctor in my life,” he said. “I didn’t know because of ignorance. And I said, ‘Not me. Anyone else, but not me.’ ”
Now, he is encouraging others like him to join and help lead a stroke support group, which aims to provide invaluable information and social opportunities for those who are recovering from a stroke.
Lubowicki, who notes that depression is a significant hurdle for those in the recovery process, is very discouraged because the group has been struggling to get off the ground since its inception in January.
“I almost quit, about two weeks ago,” he said. “I really tried my best, and nothing happened. Then all of a sudden the phone rings.”
It was Howell resident Abe Magid, who, though not a stroke survivor, wanted to support the group.
The call left Lubowicki reinvigorated.
“I hung up the phone and he comes or he doesn’t come. I don’t care because God had sent me a sign,” he said.
Magid did show up and is one of the four or so members who attend weekly meetings at the Marlboro Renaissance Diner on Route 9.
The group hopes to promote outreach and offer specific social opportunities for stroke survivors, some of whom may have faced difficulties in other groups due to aphasia — an impairment of language ability caused by a stroke.
In addition, the club intends to host guest speakers, such as medical professionals, to address health and safety issues.
Another goal is the formation of a buddy system that will allow members to check in regularly with each other.
Renelle Desjardin, who accompanies her mother, Marie, to the meetings, said she believes the club offers her mother a unique social outlet.
“It’s hard for [Marie] especially to find outlets for social [interaction],” Renelle said. “We try senior centers but she’s uncomfortable, and I think some of the other seniors who aren’t disabled are uncomfortable.
“But it’s good to get out,” she added.
Lubowicki, who said he is unable to meet the rigors of running the group, said he hopes the club will provide an uplifting atmosphere.
“You will always get a laugh over here at the stroke club,” he said. “It’s their club, not mine. I don’t want anything …, just that everybody joins together.”
Magid said he believes the camaraderie is extremely beneficial.
“Because of their common experience and how each one has learned in their own way to handle it, they have a better outlook on life than they might otherwise have,” he said .
Lubowicki agreed.
“That’s the crux of it,” he said, adding he wanted to thank those who helped the group get off the ground.
“I want to thank Diane Fox, Maria Ragosa, Codielynn O’Connor, Renelle, Nick and Mike Szubiak, Donna Murphy and Mary Ann. They are my guardian angels,” Lubowicki said.
For more information about the group, which meets Mondays, 1-3 p.m., contact Wayne Lubowicki at 609-578-8799 or visit http://www.meetup.com/Marlboro-Stroke- Survivors-Meetup-Group.