Delaware Valley Stroke Council to Hold 16th Anniversary “Stars for Stroke” Gala and Auction
Media Contact:
Jennifer Sherlock
jsherlock@jennacommunications.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Delaware Valley Stroke Council to Hold 16th Anniversary“Stars for Stroke” Gala and Auction
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 1, 2011 – On Saturday, November 12th, the Delaware Valley Stroke Council (DVSC) will hold its 16th Anniversary “Stars for Stroke” Gala and Auction at the Hilton Philadelphia on City Avenue at 6:30 P.M.
The gala, which is a black tie event, will be hosted by 6abc Action News’ Shirleen Allicot. All proceeds from the event will be used to sustain DVSC programs in the Delaware Valley. To learn more, visit their website at www.phillystroke.org.
At this year’s gala, honorees will include DVSC founder Toby Mazer, who is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award as well as physicians Ben Usatch and the late B. Franklin Diamond, stroke survivor Sam Abramowitz and caretaker Sharyn Abramowitz, and emergency medical responders throughout the Greater Delaware Valley.
Founded in 1995 by Toby Mazer, the DVSC works to provide advocacy for stroke survivors and raise awareness of stroke symptoms. “Ninety-five percent of people don’t know one symptom of a stroke, yet it is the third largest cause of death for Americans,” said Mazer, who was inspired to found the DVSC after her husband suffered a stroke and later passed away from related complications.
Through Mazer’s work, the DVSC has developed the Stroke Treatment Enhancement Program (STEP). “The STEP program helps doctors gain a better sense of how to best treat, prevent and recognize stroke,” said Mazer. “It provides resources, referrals, and support for families, caregivers and stroke survivors.” Currently, the STEP program works with 13 area hospitals, including Abington and Lankenau Hospitals of Montgomery County and St. Mary’s and Doylestown Hospitals of Bucks County.
Mazer has also taken her work to the national level by serving on the board of the National Stroke Association from 1995-2010. One of her most notable accomplishments was fighting to have legislation passed that requires stroke victims to be taken to hospitals with certified stroke centers to ensure the best possible treatment is received. Because of her unwavering dedication to this cause, Mazer has helped improve the quality of care for stroke victims while educating countless numbers of individuals on how they can prevent the disease.
If you are interested in donating, please visit http://www.phillystroke.org/donate.php. You can also like the Delaware Valley Stroke Council’s Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/DelawareValleyStrokeCouncil to stay up-to-date on all their happenings.
For more information on the 16th Anniversary “Stars for Stroke” gala, please visit http://strokesurvival.org/ or contact Jennifer Sherlock at 609-369-3482 or by e-mail, jsherlock@jennacommunications.com.
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About the Delaware Valley Stroke Council:
Delaware Valley Stroke Council, a United Way agency, promotes optimal stroke care through advocacy, education, awareness, diagnosis and treatment. The Delaware Valley Stroke Council works as citizens’ organization. Founded in 1995 by a group of area neurologists, Delaware Valley Stroke Council serves Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley, including South Jersey and Delaware. Over the years, the organization has continually expanded its programs to meet newly recognized needs, while establishing state and national constituencies in the process.