Hi Everyone,

Welcome to “Voice Of Hope Blog.” My name is Joy and I am the Moderator for the Yahoo Kirk Whalum Fan Group.

I am sure that many of you out there are fans of world renowned saxophonist Kirk Whalum. Kirk has been a tremendous supporter of Stroke of Hope and the Yahoo Kirk Whalum Fans Group wants to assist Kirk, his beautiful wife Ruby, and others in seeing that stroke victims receive the emotional, spiritual and physical support that is so very critical in the healing process.

Kirk became involved with Stroke of Hope when his father , Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum, Sr. suffered a stroke. The tight knit Whalum family joined together and brought Rev. Whalum to NY to get the treatment and assistance he needed. And he made amazing strides during this time. He has worked incredibly hard to remain the active and vital person that his family and friends know and love. Kirk and his wife Ruby have also moved back to Memphis from Nashville to be closer to Rev. Whalum,, Sr. As a former postal worker and Memphis City Council Member, Rev. Whalum, Sr. is not only a devoted man of God but a highly respected member of his community. He is so respected in his community that there is an effort underway in Memphis to name the Third Street U.S. Post Office in Memphis after Rev. Whalum, Sr. It is certainly wonderful to see such a devoted servant of the Lord being recognized in their community.

Stroke of Hope’s connection to Grammy winning singer Luther Vandross is a very special one as well. When Mr. Vandross suffered his debilitating stroke in April 2003, Stroke of Hope was there through the trying times and the triumphs as Mr. Vandross preserved on to recover. We also took part in the Juvenile Diabetes walk with Vandross, Inc. to bring awareness to an illness can lead to Stroke which is Diabetes. Sadly Mr. Vandross went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2005. However, the bond that Mr. Vandross and his mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross developed with Hazella (Rollins-Lavar Stroke Of Hope’ s Executive Director) is not one that cannot be broken even after his crossing over to the other side.

I can imagine that there is still a familial bond between Mrs. Vandross and Hazella that sustains each of them as they continue to mourn the loss of their son and friend/fellow survivor respectively.

If there is ever a lesson that I believe there is to be learned from this it is that God does not put more on us then we can bear and that He will sustain you through ALL things, just trust Him always. If you happen to be someone who has suffered a Stroke or if you are caring for someone who has, I pray that you remember my previous statement. Also, find a support system in Stroke of Hope, become part of one of the Support Groups they offer or attend one of the seminars. It is SOOO important to stay strong, informed and empowered especially when illness or crisis strikes.

I hope you all have noticed the big Jazz Benefit that is coming up to benefit Stroke of Hope. It’s A Celebration of Hope featuring Kirk Whalum and Friends Jeff Golub and Phillipe Saisse. This is an amazing group of musicians. Phillipe Saisse is a master of the keyboard, Jeff Golub will blow you away with his guitar, and Kirk, well, he has more soul in his little finger than most people have in their entire bodies.

Mark your calendars for July 1, 2007 @ 6pm at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Click here to order on-line or Call 212-220-1460 for tickets. If you live in or near NYC or if you think you can be in the area on July 1, 2007. It will be a great way to help those whose lives have been affected by a Stroke and you will have the chance to here AWESOME music.

This benefit is one of what I am sure are numerous ways that Kirk and his musical friends are giving back. It is not surprise that Kirk would become so involved not only because of his Dad but his connection to Mr. Vandross. Kirk worked extensively with Mr. Vandross musically and Mr. Vandross had a tremendous respect for Kirk. I believe Kirk has said that Mr. Vandross told him that he did not like the saxophone but he enjoyed Kirk’s playing because Kirk plays like he sang. Not too shabby to have a compliment like that from one of the world’s greatest singers.

If you are a fan of Kirk and you want to help show support for Stroke of Hope, please go to http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/KirkWhalumFans/ and join our group. We plan to do lots of things together for Stroke awareness and prevention.

Also, don't forget to purchase your ticket to A Celebration of Hope featuring Kirk Whalum and friends on July 1, 2007.
I cannot wait to hear some of your thoughts and personal stories. Please share with us. I am honored to be a part of something so special as I believe God is using Stroke of Hope to do great things. I also have grown to care a great deal about Stroke of Hope’s Executive Director Hazella Rollins-Lavar because not only has she has taken a very personal tragedy and turned it into triumph but she is working VERY hard to help others through their struggles. That is the only way to handle it in my book.

Take care of yourselves and may God Bless you ALWAYS!!
Joy :)