About NSSA

Mission

The Mission of the Nebraska State Stroke Association is:

  • The prevention of stroke through education
  • To maximize quality of life for stroke survivors and their families

The Goal

A goal of the Nebraska State Stroke Association is to have Nebraska rank #1 in the nation in stroke awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for families post-stroke.

History

The Nebraska State Stroke Association (formerly the Nebraska Stroke Foundation), one of the nation's earliest non-profit organizations that is focused on strokes and stroke prevention, was founded in 1985 by Lincolnite Karyl Newman. Karyl's husband, Dr. Charles Newman, had a massive stroke on September, 6, 1984 and died five days later. She used the donations received in his memory to bring her concept to life – that the number and/or severity of strokes could be reduced if Nebraskans knew more about stroke and the risks and warning signs.

The first meeting for the organization was held in Karyl's home which served as headquarters for a number of years. Incorporated in 1985, Karyl served as Board President until the early 90's. In 1990, with increasing success and growing support among healthcare providers, the Board hired it first Executive Director and opened its first office.

Now located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Nebraska State Stroke Association provides all of its services at no charge. All donations received stay in Nebraska working for Nebraskans.

Founder

  • Karyl Newman

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

  • Eric Dinger, Board President
  • Toni Morehouse, Vice President
  • Tom Klein, Treasurer
  • Mitzi Ritzman, Secretary
  • Donna Hammack , Member at Large

Board Members

  • Anglea Lisec | HDR, Inc.
  • Donna Hammack | St. Elizabeth Foundation
  • Eric Dinger | Thought District
  • Eric Hammerschmidt | Orthotic and Prosthetic Solutions
  • Marica Matthies | Community Volunteer
  • Miechelle McKelvy | University of Nebraska – Kearney
  • Mitzi Ritzman | University of Nebraska – Omaha
  • Jane Oulette | BryanLGH
  • Perry Pirsch | Attorney, Berry Law Firm
  • Theresa Parker | Southeast Community College
  • Tom Klein | First National Bank
  • Toni Morehouse | University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Staff