Some 800 guests attended National Stroke Association of Malaysia’s (Nasam) fundraising dinner in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The event brought together stroke survivors, families, volunteers, healthcare professionals, corporate supporters, friends and well-wishers in a celebration of Nasam’s three decades of helping stroke survivors rebuild their lives.
One of the evening’s highlights was the “Strokees Fashion Show”, which demonstrated that stroke did not have to define a person’s future.
Fourteen stroke survivors took to the catwalk with confidence, parading a collection of the latest batik designs sponsored by The Mod House.
Their appearance was more than a fashion show; it was a powerful statement of courage, recovery and renewed confidence, with the stroke survivors receiving enthusiastic support from the audience, Nasam said.
Rare Green Vultures, a dynamic 10-person seniors jazz band, provided entertainment for the evening, and had the crowd singing along to their renditions of popular songs.
Stand-up comedian Douglas Lim then took to the stage and left the audience in stitches with his trademark humour.
There was also a flashmob performance that got participants taking part, besides sales of merchandise created by stroke survivors.
Nasam founder Janet Yeo delivered a personal and heartwarming speech reflecting on the organisation’s journey.
She spoke about the challenges Nasam faced and overcame throughout the years, as well as her own personal experience of suffering a stroke and the long journey towards regaining a meaningful and functional life.
Her story served as a powerful reminder of why Nasam’s work remains important, that recovery is possible, hope can be restored and that with the right support, stroke survivors can once again participate fully in life, the organisation said.
Nasam has grown from a pioneering stroke-support organisation into a nationwide network providing rehabilitation, education, support and advocacy for stroke survivors and their families.
Funds raised would enable the organisation to continue and expand its rehabilitation and support programmes for stroke survivors across Malaysia, said Nasam.
“Thirty years is a remarkable milestone, but more importantly, it represents 30 years of people refusing to give up.
“Every stroke survivor who takes another step, regains another skill or finds the confidence to return to everyday life represents another reason for hope,” the organisation said.
