ICANTOO.ORG HOME PAGE
International Coalition for the Advancement of Neurology (ICAN)

is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] corportion registered in the State of California. Tax ID 20-3616873
ICAN's purpose is to bring stroke awareness to everyone. Every 3.1 minutes, someone dies from a stroke! Stroke is the third most frequent killer in the US today. At the age of 49 years Fermin Camarena suffered a massive hemmorhagic Stroke in 2003 that left him a recovering hemiplegic.
Hopefully ICAN save another life!


Coming up on his sixth anniversary, Fermin's recovery has been slow and painful, yet completely remarkable. Within two years after the stroke, Fermin was training for marathon walks. Now at age 55, his recovery has included participating in 2 triatholons, 1 half marathon, 1 marathon, and 1 one-mile ocean swim. The assistance of a recumbent tricycle has helped put new life into his "old bones". Fermin's "ministry" is to make time to visit people in the hospital ICU and rehabilitation, and talk with them, even if they have no-one else.

With his determination and a strong positive attitude, Fermin's recovery has been to say the least...remarkable and inspiring!

In seeking information about stroke and other neurological disorders, Fermin's friends discovered that there is a large population of people under the age of 55, including very young children, who suffer from strokes and other neurological disorders. As a result of those findings, this site was founded and strives to help fill a need to inspire and motivate others by providing resources and stories of recovery.

I Can...You Can Too !  
~Fermin Camarena
Never Give Up. Giving up is the ultimate tragedy.


ICAN's purpose is to promote research, increase funding for new research projects with the goal of diagnosing and decreasing the occurrance of neurological diseases and disorders, and to provide education and support for the families of those who suffer these diseases and disorders. In order to achieve this goal we rely solely on tax deductible contributions from individuals and businesses.


Help Us Help Others by making a TAX-FREE PayPal donation today !

TAX ID 20-3616873

Sponsors Of The Month


Challenged Athletes Foundation
(click to visit their site now)

In The Spotlight


kayaking and sailing

Pam Patterson demonstrates that sailing and kayaking is possible too. Adaptive Boating and Water Safety is very empowering for people with physical or developmental challenges. Lessons are available at Dana Point harbor and Lake Mission Viejo.

For more information call (949) 492-3035 and ask for Diane or visit: http://www.westwindsailing.com/


YOU CAN SAIL TOO !!!

Jeff can RIDE TOO!!
Special Thanks to Martha Szufnarowski of Tri La Vie for sponsorhing Fermin in the upcoming Pacific Coast Triathlon at Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA.
Martha is also going to train Fermin...she can coach too!!! Tri La Vie

Press & Events


In The News

June 12, 2009 - Laguna Amputee Is Ready To Go The Distance - "Laguna Beach Independant"
Andy is Fermin's running partner and has completed two triathlons with Fermin at his side.
Andy is a constant source of inspiration.
Special Thanks - Peak to Peak race.
Feb 24, 2008 - Eye On SJC - "Capistrano Dispatch"
January, 2008 - "Dr. Dung Trinh - Physician of Excellence"
November 2006 - "The Lariat"

Upcoming Events



July 26, 2009 - Pacific Coast Triathlon - Newport Beach, CA


September 6, 2009 - Disneyland Half- Marathon


October 25, 2009 - Challenged Athletes San Diego Triathlon
La Jolla, CA

Resources


Stroke Warning Signs
How to tell if someone has had a stroke
American Stroke Association
American Heart Association
Dr. Eleonora S. Spokooyny, M.D.,AMA, QME
John C. Eberhart
(Eberhart Home Health)

Bristol Park Medical - My Health Zone
Mission Hospital Brain Trauma Center
 

Success Stories


Victims who are living proof that
"I CAN" after a brain trauma:

Fermin's Recovery Story
Barry Stansfield's Story of Recovery
John deFeo's Story
Terry "Hoppy" Dean Story
Elle aka Stellrhawk
Special Olympics - Photo Gallery - Perspiration & Inspiration
 

Supported Agencies


We are pleased to share your donations with the following agencies - Note: All donations go to Neurology Research

Pediatric Cancer Research Organization
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
Lance Armstrong Foundation
American Cancer Society
Team Duke
 
Special Thanks to teamPossAbilities

It all started when I met a special person in ICU at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA. I would visit her once in the morning and again after school. She stayed for a period of time. While visiting her, I started meeting people that had friends or family there. They asked me if I would stop by and offer words of encouragement. I started giving those patients some of my medals. If you could have only seen their faces! I know what it takes to finish a triatholon. The patients know they have a long road to recovery, and having that medal makes that road a little easier to walk. I want to offer a "Special Thank You" to everyone at teamPossAbilities for giving me extra medals to hand out. Together we give people hope and inspiration.

~ICAN

Rehabilitation


UCI - Robotics for Rehabilitation Therapy

UCI - Robotics for Rehabilitation Therapy - is looking for candidates from 18 to 70 years of age who have suffered from a single stroke at least 3 months ago and have arm and hand weakness.

Contact Vicky Chan, Physical Therapist
University of California at Irvine
Phone: (949) 824-3355
Email: vchan2@uci.edu

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
Dr. Steven C. Cramer
Celeste Ryan,M.S.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program

Saddleback College Adaptive Kinesiology
Irvine College Adaptive Kinesiology - Keith Shackleford
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Big Fun Therapy And Recreational Services For Children With Special Needs
Rancho Sports
Neuro Talk
Brain Talk Communities
Cal State Fullerton We Care Project - Thanks to Candi Dale
Surfer's Healing - seeks to enrich the lives of children with autism and the lives of their families by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. - Thanks to Izzy
T-RYX - Recumbent Trikes

Powered by the beast within...because fossil fuels are extinct!
Thanks Hoppy !!!

Bent Up Cycles - Thanks Neil !!!