At this year's central Massachusetts Stroke Survivor - Caregiver Forum, Dr. Howard Fixler (right), Chief of Internal Medicine at Fairlawn, was honored with the annual "Community Conscience Award" for his work in stroke prevention and treatment. Last year's recipient, Dr. Majaz Moonis, an Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the Stroke Prevention Program at UMass Medical Center, presented Dr. Fixler with the award.

Many central Massachusetts residents whose lives have been impacted by stroke recently attended a Stroke Survivor-Caregiver Forum hosted by Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital and the American Stroke Association.

The sixth annual forum featured presentations on preventing a reoccurring stroke, new technologies in stroke treatment, adjustment after stroke, and support group opportunities. Attendees also enjoyed an interactive session with a panel of stroke survivors and their caregivers who shared their personal recovery stories.

The Forum's annual "Community Conscience Award," given in recognition of an individual's commitment and dedication to excellence in stroke prevention and treatment, went to Dr. Howard Fixler, Chief of Internal Medicine at Fairlawn. In collaboration with other UMass-Memorial clinicians, Dr. Fixler helped to develop and publish a guide to post acute care for stroke patients. He is also a member of the Board of the American Stroke Association and currently serves on a special task force dedicated to the important issue of choosing the appropriate level of care for stroke patients.

The Forum's stroke survivor-caregiver panel included four former Fairlawn patients, all of whom shared their personal recovery stories. From left to right: Jane Neale, Al Dowd, Tammy Jardine, and Michael Williams with his wife Tracy.