Toronto, April 30 /CNW/ - Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada, behind heart disease and cancer. There are over 300,000 stroke survivors in Canada, and every year another 50,000 join their ranks.

Stroke Recovery Canada(TM), a program of March of Dimes Canada, provides the resources needed to help stroke survivors, their families and caregivers, "Survive and Thrive" after a stroke. Through this program, stroke survivors across Canada have been able to more easily re-engage in their communities, and affirm that there is meaningful and quality life after a stroke.

"I have traveled the country and met hundreds of stroke thrivers, people who do not let their disability mean an end to their dignity and independence," says Kimberley Dowds, Associate Director of Stroke Recovery Canada.

Lorene Hatelt of Brampton, Ontario is one of the many Canadians who exemplify thriving after surviving a left-brain aneurysm hemorrhage when she was 9. An active child with a lifelong love of sports, she was left with a weakened right side of her body. Lorene had to re-learn how to walk. Her orthopaedic surgeon at the time told her mother that she would never run again.

Despite these dire predictions Lorene regained not only her ability to run, but to also swim and bike at a champion level. Since 1998, Lorene has been a member of Triathlon Canada's National team and is a seven-time International Triathlon Union World Champion in the athlete with a disability classification.

In addition to working and training for competitions, Lorene is a Certified Professional Trainer, holds clinics for beginner triathletes and is currently working on her triathlon coaching certificate. In 2000, Lorene was inducted into the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame.

"You can do anything you set your mind to," says Lorene.

Stroke Recovery Canada(TM), a program of March of Dimes Canada, is a national service offering post-recovery support, education and programs for stroke survivors, their families and health care providers. Through its work with local peer support groups across the country, Stroke Recovery Canada(TM) provides Canadians with the resources needed to help Canadians survive and thrive after stroke.

With May designated as Stroke Recovery Awareness Month, Stroke Recovery Canada has increased its efforts to educate the public about stroke recovery.

For information or to join Stroke Recovery Canada call 1-888-540-6666 or visit the Stroke Recovery Canada website at www.strokerecoverycanada.com.

March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization providing support services to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers across Canada.

For further information: Kimberley Dowds, Associate Director, National Programs, March of Dimes Canada, 10 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON M4H 1A4, Phone: (416) 425-3463 ext. 7211, Toll Free: 1-800-263-3463 ext. 7211, Cell: (647) 294-4123, Fax: (416) 425-1920, kdowds@dimes.on.ca, www.marchofdimes.ca