ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A group aimed at helping stroke victims and their families is hitting a major milestone. It all started one year ago when a family experienced this medical emergency and wanted to help others get through the trying time. Story continues below Podcast: A closing chapter in Albuquerque’s mysterious Muslim murders Community: PHOTOS: Revamp Route 66 sign program makes progress in Albuquerque Events: What’s happening around New Mexico September 13-19 It was because of a story KRQE News 13 reported on last year that people discovered the group aimed at making a difference, founded by a stroke survivor and his wife. Ian Mackaness is one of the lucky ones. “I was in a coma, so I don't remember most of it, and I was in an alternative mindset just because of the brain bleed,” said Mackaness. After suffering from a stroke back in 2021, he spent over 100 days in the hospital. His wife, Stephanie Lopez, said those were the most trying days of her life and she needed someone to lean on. “If I didn't have that, it needs to be available to people like me, people that their loved ones have had a stroke,” said Lopez. When Mackaness recovered, he and his wife vowed to make a group that could help anyone going through the same thing. It's been more than a year since "Hope In Crisis: Healing Through Community" was founded, helping 45 people in the Albuquerque area, and it's growing.  “We all help out each other because we know what a stroke is, and how it feels, and how it's going to affect our life from here on out,” said Thomas Wabnum, a group member and a stroke survivor. Healthcare professionals said the group is making a difference. "Ian and Stephanie, you know, through this hope group, they have done exactly that. They've given these survivors hope,” said Felecia McDermott, a group member and a stroke educator. They want to provide a message of hope to anyone who has been impacted by a stroke. " it helps people to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it's really not a train, you know, so it's good for everybody,” said John Franklin, a stroke survivor. “Hope in Crisis” meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center. For more information on the group, people can reach out to Stephanie and Ian at 505-250-1734 and 505-239-5870.