The first time Tammie Miller attended UPMC’s Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in 2022, she looked around and thought she didn’t belong. Despite suffering a severe hemorrhagic stroke in 2020, Miller thought she was in relatively good shape. She had limited mobility in her right hand and would sometimes burst out in random laughter – a phenomenon known as the pseudobulbar effect – but for the most part, her recovery was progressing well.

Participants and volunteers enjoy the pool at the 2025 Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in Slippery Rock, Pa.
Credit: UPMC
“It seemed like some of the other campers were worse off than me,” she said. “I worried that might be taking a spot from someone more deserving.”
By the second day of camp, however, Miller realized that her presence there was not only welcome, but necessary.
“Only someone who has been through a stroke really understands what it’s like,” she said. “I keep going back to Stroke Camp because there might be someone there who needs to see someone like me, who had paralysis and cognitive issues, and how well I’m doing now.”
The importance of shared experience extends beyond stroke survivors to their caregivers, who also attend the camp, which is held every summer in Slippery Rock, Pa.

Chris and Judy Cartier at Stroke Camp
Credit: UPMC
Judy Cartier began attending with her husband, Chris, in 2018. Since his stroke in 2017, she has been by his side, driving him to appointments, preparing his meals, maintaining the household, while continuing to work full time for many years. One of the Ross Township couple’s favorite parts of Stroke Camp is the ability to connect with others in similar situations. Judy said she also gets support from the numerous UPMC employees who volunteer every year.
“At Stroke Camp, I can actually check out of caregiver mode,” she said. “You know your loved one is in qualified hands and you can feel free of worry. As caregivers, this doesn’t happen in our day-to-day lives; this luxury only happens at Stroke Camp.”
Stacey Mlodzianowski, an occupational therapist on the stroke unit at UPMC Mercy, brought the camp concept to the Pittsburgh area in 2016. She had previously worked for a hospital in New Jersey which participated in the nationwide program organized by the United Stroke Alliance.
Dr. Jennifer Shen, UPMC physical medicine and rehabilitation physician specializing in stroke, helped Mlodzianowski write a grant to support the program. Since then, the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute has sponsored the camp annually.
“It’s an incredibly empowering weekend for both stroke survivors and caregivers,” said Shen. “A stroke can change your life, but so can one weekend at Stroke Camp.”
Campers participate in outdoor activities including swimming, fishing and hayrides. They can receive massages and manicures, participate in a drum circle, arts and crafts, and games. One of the highlights is the Saturday night celebration with music, dancing and performances.

Audra Walker climbs the wall at Stroke Camp
Credit: UPMC
But perhaps the most impactful activity for many of the stroke survivors is the chance to climb a rock wall.
“The first year, I was terrified because I could barely stand up,” said camper Audra Walker of Swissvale. “It’s a sense of accomplishment. Stroke camp increases the confidence of the stroke survivor, no matter what stage of their recovery they’re in.”
People interested in participating can register on the United Stroke Alliance website. Registration typically opens in March and Stroke Camp takes place in June.