Written By:  Brendan Hair

Despite suffering a stroke in 2003 Bill Blodgett is peddling a path he hopes stroke survivors will follow.

While the road to recovery seems daunting Bill feels there is no reason to give up based on his experience.  From his progression the Peterborough resident advises survivors to remain positive. He believes there’s always ways to persevere if you want something bad enough.

“There is always hope – Don’t give up. There is always a way to do something. It takes me a little bit longer but there is nothing that stops me from doing what I want to do,” said Bill.

One example of Bill’s perseverance comes from his source of transportation. While Bill’s comfortable with the bus he would not be satisfied without a chance to use his bicycle. With the support of adult stabilizer wheels he’s continued riding his bike for leisure and to attend the two March of Dimes of Canada programs that he volunteers with: the Aphasia and Communication Disabilities Program, and Life After Stroke, a Stroke Recovery Canada chapter in Peterborough.

Along with his cycling passion Bill began setting his sights on regaining his driver’s license. He’s optimistic after seeing a fellow Life After Stroke volunteer driving a modified car.

For Bill, being a part of his local stroke support chapter has also had a positive impact in his recreational time.  Another member of Life After Stroke introduced him to a swimming program at the YMCA. Bill now attends the YMCA three times a week.  

Despite always being on a tight schedule Bill recalls never missing the weekly Aphasia program, which he started volunteering for in 2011.   He was also named a guest speaker at the York-Durham’s Aphasia’s Centre’s 25^th anniversary in 2014.

As a volunteer Bill compliments March of Dimes Canada as an organization full of great ideas and inspirations.

“I would never have dreamt that they would be so innovative.”

To learn more about the March of Dimes Canada programs that Bill participates in, visit:  Aphasia and Communication Disabilities Program and Stroke Recovery Canada.