Homewood stroke survivor honored for giving back
Felton Armand is no stranger to adversity.
He lived with nine foster families as a child and suffered a major stroke as a young adult.
But the 52-year-old Homewood resident didn’t give up. In fact, he helped others who had similar problems.
Last week, the independent technology consultant who works with nonprofits was among 17 Chicago area residents to receive Ford Freedom Unsung Awards at a reception at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.
The award recognizes individuals who give back to the Chicago area.
The event was made possible by a grant from the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Co.
His challenges began as a youngster when he ran away from home after experiencing problems there, he said. He landed in foster care.
Armand said his last foster mother, Ruth Lee, played a major role in his life. So, a few years ago, when Lee died, he became legal guardian of her autistic son, whom she had adopted from foster care.
“I have never met my natural mother,” he said. “When I came to live with “Ruthie” as a ward of DCFS, I had given up on having a mother figure in my life. Ruthie was the epitome of compassion, tough love and putting others before yourself. She would give you her last if you needed it. ... Both her and her husband, Rogers Lee, had the deepest belief in me. That belief empowered and enabled me to pursue my dreams.”
At 35, he suffered a stroke that caused him paralysis on the right side of his body. He overcame his condition and became a speaker for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. He also helps educate African Americans on the warning signs of stroke and how to reduce stroke risk.
He ran in several 26. 2 mile races and raised roughly $5,000 for the American Stroke Association, he said.
Armand said the stroke taught him “everything can change in a New York minute and to live life like there is no tomorrow.”
He offered this advice to others going through stroke recovery:
“First of all, don’t give up hope. Second, have the pity party. Cry, say ‘Why me?’ Get it out of your system because that’s what I did. I was literally in my hospital bed crying because I didn’t want to be a burden to my family.
“But once you’ve had that pity party, realize there are things you can do. Take physical therapy. Push yourself. Perseverance is key, and reward yourself and acknowledge small victories.”
While lying in his hospital bed, he thought of all the things he wanted to do but never got around to. He put together a bucket list.
“I always wanted to run a marathon,” he said. “I took it upon myself to run a marathon to rehab myself because when you run, you use every muscle in your body. That’s what I attribute my successful recovery to.”
That and learning to ride a motorcycle, he shared, noting “in learning to ride a motorcycle, you have to use both hands and both feet. You have to focus.”
“When I had my stroke, I didn’t recognize the symptoms right away,” he said as he shared the acronym FAST.
It is used by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to educate the public about the warning signs of stroke.
“F” stands for face drooping; “A,” for weakness; “S,” for difficulty speaking; and “T,” for time to call 911, he said.
Getting quick treatment can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and save lives.
His concerns for others isn’t limited to this country.
He responded to news of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti by traveling there to participate in a Habitat for Humanity project with Former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
He said he was on a team that built two of 100 houses.
“It was amazing,” he said. “It was the most gratifying work that I have ever done.”