Sandie and Larry Varcoe: A Beacon of Hope in the Stroke Community
Sandie and Larry Varcoe, a dynamic duo from the Hastings Prince Edward community, have been recognized for their tireless dedication to supporting those affected by stroke. In November 2024, they were honored as the recipients of the prestigious Louise and Frank Nieboer Lecture Award and were invited to present at the Canadian Stroke Congress in Calgary.
Sandie, who suffered a life-altering stroke in 1986 at the age of 35, lives with severe aphasia and significant mobility challenges. Despite these obstacles, she and her husband Larry, her devoted caregiver of 57 years, have become a cornerstone of peer support in our community. Together, they have built a robust network of support for stroke survivors in and around Belleville, including former Quinte Health patients.
Their work is not just about offering assistance—it’s about offering hope. As Melissa Roblin, Stroke Resource Nurse at Quinte Health, reflects, “Sandie and Larry are a consistent and steadfast pillar of hope within our stroke support groups.” She shares a story of a young stroke patient who initially feared that a second, life-ending, stroke was inevitable. After meeting Sandie and learning of her 30+ years of recovery, this patient found hope and was inspired to become a volunteer peer support visitor himself, spreading the same rays of sunshine he received from Sandie and Larry.
The Varcoes’ impact extends beyond their personal involvement in support groups. They have advocated for the expansion of aphasia programs and worked to improve accessibility to support services for stroke survivors.
At the heart of their work is a simple yet profound approach: “You have to follow the steps and be willing to redevelop yourself and find that new normal,” Larry says. The Varcoes’ passion for helping others rediscover their lives after stroke is evident in their daily actions—from hosting regular social events, such as a monthly lunch and annual barbecue, to offering one-on-one support through calls and video chats. Even during the challenging times of the pandemic, they adapted by holding virtual Bingo games to keep the community engaged.
Sandie and Larry’s commitment to stroke recovery is truly inspiring. Their unwavering positivity, warm spirits, and dedication to making sure no one faces stroke alone earned them a well-deserved place as the 2024 Louise and Frank Nieboer Lecturers. They prove every day that with love, support, and a little sunshine, recovery is possible. We are grateful to have them in our community.
#Compassion
#ValueEveryone
