After having 3 strokes, 2 heart attacks, and an open heart surgery, Petra stays resilient.

“I’m a fighter. I don’t give up,” Petra said.

To keep her mind sharp, Petra attends a weekly stroke support group with Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, a United Way funded agency.

The support group is more than sitting in a circle and sharing their personal experiences and feelings. It’s a place for survivors to build back their minds, but also connect with others mentally and socially. This helps make recovery faster, easier, and less lonely.

“We do art and play games – so you have to use your brain,” Petra said.

“The support group is like a big family. It gets me out of the house and with my friends,” Petra said. “I like to help any way I can. I go in early to help brew coffee. Some can only use one hand, so I pour drinks for my friends who can’t.”

Due to her health conditions, Petra is not able to drive or maintain employment. This limits her ability of transportation to get to appointments, getting out, and providing for herself.

With the help of United Way of the Coastal Empire, Petra found access to reliable and safe transportation by receiving bus passes from the WOMEN UNITED Transportation Fund.

“I’ll always be grateful. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” Petra said.

Women in our community face transportation barriers due to health issues, financial crises, and other unique situations – but Women United aims to break those barriers.

To help women like Petra, give help here.