A former Wrexham AFC standout who rebuilt his life after suffering a stroke will speak with Finger Lakes stroke survivors and caregivers next month during a regional support group meeting hosted by UR Medicine Thompson Health.
Gareth “Gaz” Owen, a longtime midfielder for clubs across England and Wales, will share his recovery story during the June 4 meeting of Thompson Health’s Stroke Support Group, according to organizers. Wrexham A.F.C.
Owen spent 12 years with Wrexham and was named the Welsh Premier League’s Player of the Season in 2009 while playing for Rhyl Football Club. He currently manages the Wrexham AFC Women Under 19s team, leading the club to a league title in its first season.
According to Thompson Health, Owen suffered an ischemic stroke in 2023 that temporarily paralyzed the right side of his body. He later underwent extensive speech and physical therapy during his recovery.
During that process, Owen became friends with F.F. Thompson Hospital emergency physician Dr. Brian Greenberg, who is helping coordinate the upcoming presentation alongside support group facilitator Alice Taylor.
The virtual meeting begins at 1 p.m. June 4 and is open to stroke survivors, caregivers, and loved ones throughout the region.
F.F. Thompson Hospital is designated by New York state as a Stroke Center and also holds Advanced Primary Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission.
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