University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) is hosting its first Stroke Support Summit: Connected in Recovery from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2026, at the Starlight Event Center.
The event is free and open to the community, bringing together stroke survivors, caregivers, health care professionals and community members for a day of expert education, inspiring patient testimonials and valuable recovery resources. Community members can register at: tinyurl.com/UMCStroke26.
The summit will feature keynote speaker Maggie Whittam, a stroke survivor, award-winning theater artist, filmmaker and disability advocate. Whittam sustained a brain injury in 2014 after surviving a massive brainstem stroke at age 33. She underwent a craniotomy followed by extensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, including physical and occupational therapy. Her stroke resulted in permanent physical and visual disabilities.
Whittam is executive producing and co-writing the feature-length documentary film "The Great Now What," about resilience in the aftermath of a major health crisis. "The Great Now What" is an empowering and life-affirming film that humanizes the experiences of people living with stroke, disability and chronic pain. Through her personal experience and advocacy work, Whittam brings a unique perspective on navigating life after stroke and finding strength in the recovery journey.
A stroke is an emergency. It is an attack on the brain that cuts off vital blood flow and oxygen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. More than 795,000 people experience a stroke each year, and someone has a stroke approximately every 40 seconds.
UMC is the region's only Level I Stroke Center and Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. UMC is also home to the region's only Mobile Stroke Unit, a specialized ambulance that is equipped with a specialized 16-slice CT scanner that provides rapid brain imaging. These capabilities allow the onboard team to quickly assess a patient's condition and administer life-saving medications and treatments.
Beyond the summit, UMC offers a monthly Stroke Support Group for stroke and brain injury survivors and their caregivers. The group provides an opportunity for survivors and caregivers to connect with others as they navigate life after stroke and brain injury. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. For information and updates about UMC’s Stroke Support Group, call 915-521-7009.
