ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A group aimed at helping stroke victims and their families is hitting a major milestone. It all started one year ago when a family experienced this medical emergency and wanted to help others get through the trying time.
Story continues below
- Podcast: A closing chapter in Albuquerque’s mysterious Muslim murders
- Community: PHOTOS: Revamp Route 66 sign program makes progress in Albuquerque
- Events: What’s happening around New Mexico September 13-19
It was because of a story KRQE News 13 reported on last year that people discovered the group aimed at making a difference, founded by a stroke survivor and his wife.
Ian Mackaness is one of the lucky ones. “I was in a coma, so I don’t remember most of it, and I was in an alternative mindset just because of the brain bleed,” said Mackaness.
After suffering from a stroke back in 2021, he spent over 100 days in the hospital. His wife, Stephanie Lopez, said those were the most trying days of her life and she needed someone to lean on. “If I didn’t have that, it needs to be available to people like me, people that their loved ones have had a stroke,” said Lopez.