Stroke survivor cookout - KFDX
May 22, 2026 — The Wichita Falls community gathered as Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita Falls hosted a community cookout and stroke survivor celebration in recognition of American Stroke Month. The event combined education and fun to create a space for survivors, caregivers and clinicians to connect and reflect on the journey of recovery.
Survivors shared their experiences, offering encouragement to others navigating life after a stroke. Among them was former patient Lance Hanson, who suffered a stroke in 2019 caused by undiagnosed high blood pressure. Hanson reminded former and current patients and their families that persistence is key.
“He [Lance] is a young stroke survivor,” said Hannah Bachert, an occupational therapy assistant at Encompass Health Wichita Falls, in an interview with KFDX. “There is a lot he has to navigate to move forward. He is a light to our incoming stroke survivors.”
The team at Encompass Health Wichita Falls used the gathering to address common misconceptions about stroke recovery and provide additional education on the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Staff highlighted the importance of recognizing stroke warning signs — difficulty balancing, changes in vision, facial drooping, arm weakness and slurred speech — and stressed the urgency of calling 911 at the first indication of symptoms.
“A stroke is an injury to your brain, so you have to give your body time to heal. You have to give yourself grace and allowance,” said Bachert. “One misconception people have is that they're not going to be able to do the things that they once did. While things may look different, it doesn't mean that it's the end of your meaningful activities.”
The event served as both a celebration of survivor strength and a call to action for greater awareness. Through shared stories, clinical insight and community support, Encompass Health Wichita Falls continues to guide survivors through recovery, helping everyone stay informed and prepared.