Greetings From the Henry Henry Clark Stroke Foundation®!
We wish you good health, wealth, and peace. Thank you for acknowledging our efforts to educate people about stroke prevention. In 2014, the Henry Clark Stroke Foundation® launched our "STROKE NO JOKE!®" videos on the Henry Clark Stroke Foundation®'s YouTube channel and in Secretary of State offices in Michigan. And we will continue with our free programs while reaching out on social media to help people better understand stroke.
The focus of our website is Stroke Awareness. The Henry Clark Stroke Foundation®'s Mission is to prevent strokes through education. Many strokes are preventable with knowledge, lifestyle changes, and medication. Therefore, we are not involved in research. Our services are provided for free to everyone. One of our goals for 2021 is to reach more people from around the world. Please help by inviting us to promote stroke awareness to your group.
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to serve you, your family, and your friends. Our deepest gratitude to donors and the many expert speakers that have given their time and hearts to the Henry Clark Stroke Foundation®. Special "Thank you" to the Detroit VA Medical Center; organizations; churches, and community centers that have invited us to promote stroke awareness. We are dedicated to continuing Henry's dream and work of educating people about stroke. Henry once said, “I do not want anyone else to suffer a stroke.” So, please join us as we prepare for our 20th year. Let's Talk Stroke cause STROKE NO JOKE!®.
Who We Are
The Henry Clark Stroke Foundation®, started in Dec 2000 by Barbara Lewis Clark, is the first foundation in the state of Michigan to promote stroke awareness. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public organization that is dedicated to the prevention of stroke through education.
The Foundation has received several accolades for its efforts to increase the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs. HCSF gives presentations, distributes health information, and participates in other organizations' health fairs. In addition, HCSF has two copyrighted recordings titled Let's Talk Stroke and Listen To A Friend and A Medical Destruction of a Life: Henry O. Clark, Jr. Story, and a play that are due out soon. Currently, HCSF has four free programs: Annual Sharing Our Dream, Preventing Strokes Conference, the HCYouth Stroke Club, and Blood Pressure Screening and Seminars.
HCSF was founded by Barbara Lewis-Clark to promote stroke awareness and to commemorate her husband, Henry O. Clark, Jr. Ms. Lewis-Clark holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing from Wayne State University. She retired from the City of Detroit as a Purchases Agent III in 2001.
On September 13, 1997, at the age of 47, with 26 or 27 years of seniority, Henry suffered a massive stroke while working on the line at Chrysler. He was in a coma for eight days. Henry would never work or drive again. But from the time Henry learned that he had suffered a stroke, his attitude was, "I can beat this stroke." Henry also worked for over ten years at the Michigan State Fairgrounds as a parking attendant and later as a supervisor.
The stroke affected the left side of Henry's body. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies helped to regain old skills like walking, as well as new skills such as learning to use one hand to perform a task. Henry went from four wheels to his heel, walking 4 to 5 miles per day. Henry's positive attitude inspired many stroke survivors to overcome their everyday challenges and live fuller and better lives in spite of their disabilities.
On July 3, 2001, Henry O. Clark, Jr. died due to intentional medical errors. Henry's work of inspiring people to think about their health and his dream of reducing the number of strokes and deaths due to stroke continues today, with a foundation named in his honor and strongly committed to his work.
You can help the Henry Clark Stroke Foundation®'s mission to prevent strokes by learning the risk factors and warning signs of a stroke. Listen to a friend. If you are at high risk for a stroke, see your physician and make the necessary lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
Be Well, and LET'S TALK STROKE!
Dedication to Excellence
HENRY O. CLARK, JR
A Hero Remembered.
HENRY OLIVER CLARK, JR. overcame alcoholism and a severe stroke that left him with paralysis in his left arm and hand to emerge with a new energy to live life to the fullest and a strong passion for helping others face their own life challenges as well.
In September 1997, Henry suffered a stroke that left him partially disabled, but it did not erode his spirit to live. God had given Henry another chance at life. And Henry took full advantage of this opportunity. Henry gained inner strength and peace by going to the "Lord's House." He also worked hard to build strength and endurance for his body during recovery. His daily exercise routines included walking four to five miles, performing 50 to 80 sit-ups, and going up and down stairs.
Henry took full advantage of his second chance by fulfilling his desire to help others. Henry continued to deliver meals to senior citizens for the Meals on Wheels program. And Henry encouraged other stroke survivors to strive to overcome their weaknesses through stroke support groups. He was a member of the Spice of Life at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan and the Henry Ford Hospital's stroke support groups. He also teamed with stroke educator Roxie Sullivan to assist with the Stroke Risk Assessment and Prevention Program (STRAP). Finally, Henry was the relief radio man for the College Park neighborhood patrol.
For Henry's remarkable recovery, Harper University Hospital’s requested his service as the poster person for their stroke prevention program. Henry brought in so many new patients to the program that the physicians had to work overtime. Henry did this for free to help others learn about stroke. He appeared on Channel 7 "Healthy Living" and Channel 50 "10:00 News" for "Check Your Pulse Detroit." "Check Your Pulse America" encourages Americans to check their pulse once a month for atrial fibrillation because of an irregular heartbeat that may lead to a stroke. In addition, Time magazine, Crain’s Detroit, Front Page, Wall Street Journal, and Michigan Chronicle featured Henry in advertisements for Harper University Hospital. As well as radio stations WWJ 950 AM, WMXD 92.3FM, and WVMV 98.7 FM.
Henry was invited by Dr. Steven Levine to address a group of second-year medical students at Wayne University. He also spoke with retirees from Chrysler Local 140 and was invited back by Olivia Fowlkes, Retiree Chairperson, to speak again in August 2001 (Henry died July 3, 2001).
Unfortunately, Harper University Hospital did not care for or value Henry as a person. After hemorrhaging for two days due to a lack of proper medical care (a doctor and nurses knew that he was bleeding because they caused it), Henry O. Clark, Jr. passed away at Harper University Hospital. However, his dreams and ambitions of helping others still carry on today. With the loving memory of a hero, we are proud to dedicate the Henry Clark Stroke Foundation® in his name…
With a Dedication to Excellence,
We Can Make a Difference Together!
Focusing on Stroke Awareness
OUR SERVICES ARE FREE