SURVIVING a stroke has transformed Lewis Hoffman and the lives of those he selflessly helps as a volunteer at one of Brisbane’s leading rehabilitation facilities.
This week, Mr Hoffman, a retired pharmacist who turns 90 next year, is being recognised for his work helping stroke survivors, especially at Ozcare’s Canossa Private Hospital at Oxley.
“I wasn’t worth a crumpet when I arrived after my stroke, but I can’t speak highly enough of Canossa hospital,” Mr Hoffman said.
“I owe Canossa a hell of a lot and that is why I wanted to come back here and as a volunteer.”
Mr Hoffman, who underwent rehabilitation at Canossa, was recently named one of three finalists in the Stroke Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year award for 2022.
He is telling his story to coincide with National Volunteer Week, which runs from May 16 to 22.
Mr Hoffman’s recognition is the culmination of a 13-year journey of recovery from a massive stroke he suffered on Valentine’s Day in 2009.
He is almost fully recovered physically despite not being able to walk or talk after the event.
The remarkable journey has not only thrust him into the spotlight as a volunteer for Ozcare.
Mr Hoffman has become a speaker for the Stroke Foundation, telling his inspirational story at over 100 events in south-east Queensland.
“I still have a little bit of a limp in my right leg, but I basically say to people ‘look at me’, because I was in bed like them,” Mr Hoffman said.
“It is a mental game. I thought it was the end of my life, that my time had come. But I was determined it wasn’t going to beat me.
“My advice is to listen to the doctors and the therapists, because if not, prepare to put up with the consequences.
“My advice is always: health is not valued, until sickness comes. We take health for granted, especially men, because we think we are bullet proof.”
Helping other stroke survivors has become a passion for Mr Hoffman, who volunteers every Thursday at the not-for-profit hospital, which has specialist rehabilitation facilities for stroke survivors and those recovering from orthopaedic surgery.
“It has been difficult over the last couple of years because a lot of volunteers have left, but I do have a lot to offer people,” Mr Hoffman said.
“I see 30 patients a week and I don’t care how long it takes; I just stay until I have seen them all.”
Canossa Private Hospital’s Director Joel Reading said the hospital was proud of the work of Mr Hoffman and its volunteers, especially since the pandemic.
“Lewis is a shining of example of the selflessness of our volunteers at Ozcare,” Mr Reading said.
“Our hospital staff work hard to provide the best medical care for our patients, and the work of our volunteers is an essential support for this.
“Their kindness has an immeasurable impact on the health and wellbeing of not only our patients but our staff as well.
“We are hoping more and more volunteers make their way back to Ozcare, however we are already very fortunate to have the support of 175 volunteers across the state who are committed and highly valued by our services.”
