Stroke survivor and country music star Randy Travis visits Tazewell County to celebrate 20 years of United Stroke Alliance camps [Video]

WASHINGTON (25News Now) – Country music star Randy Travis suffered a stroke in 2013 that left the right side of his body paralyzed. However, he didn’t hide behind closed doors and instead became an advocate for stroke survivors, which is what United Stroke Alliance is all about.

Over the years, stroke survivors have leaned on each other during the recovery process. Friday night, the United Stroke Alliance marked 20 years of doing just that through its camp program.

The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camps started in 2004 after United Stroke Alliance Founder Marylee Nunley’s husband had a stroke. She said that in the following two years, she struggled as a caregiver because there was so much to learn.

Nunley began planning a weekend camping trip with a local support group but quickly realized families outside Central Illinois needed something similar.

Since then, the nonprofit has spread to 28 states, where leaders have hosted a total …