Delaware Valley Stroke Council to Host 19th Annual Strides for Stroke

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Sherlock

jsherlock@jennacommunications.com

609-369-3482

DELAWARE VALLEY STROKE COUNCIL TO HOST 19th ANNUAL STRIDES FOR STROKE

Annual 5K Run/Walk Raises Funds for Stroke Education and Local Advocacy Programs –

PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 2013 — On Sunday, June 9, the Delaware Valley Stroke Council (DVSC) will host its 19th Annual Dr. Howard Mazer Strides for Stroke Memorial 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m.  The race begins at 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway and runs along a predetermined course on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.

More than 1,000 runners and volunteers are expected to participate in Strides for Stroke in order to help raise awareness for stroke, the third leading cause of death and number one cause of adult disabilities. Funds raised from the race remain in the Greater Philadelphia Area and help guarantee the continued success of the DVSC’s programs, which include educating local community members on the warning signs of stroke as well as working with local hospitals to ensure all stroke patients receive cutting-edge care.

Founded by Toby Mazer, whose late husband Howard was a stroke survivor of nearly two decades, the DVSC works to provide advocacy for area stroke survivors and raise awareness of stroke symptoms. “There are nearly 800,000 stroke cases a year in the U.S., but sadly, very few people know the symptoms of stroke,” Mazer said. “To help individuals identify stroke, we developed the F.A.S.T. acronym, meaning the face must be observed for a droopy smile, raised arms checked for a downward drift and speech monitored for slurring. If any of these conditions persist, then time is of the essence to call 911 because the person is suffering a stroke.”

One of the most powerful messages the DVSC promotes is that stroke can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Aimee Girard, a current Thomas Jefferson University nursing student learned this firsthand when she suffered a stroke as a result of a trauma injury at the age of 23. One day, Aimee began to experience excruciating headaches, which is one of the many key symptoms of stroke.  After visiting the emergency room and receiving a CT Scan that turned up negative, Aimee’s symptoms persisted. It took a follow up visit and a second, more extensive CT Scan to discover Aimee had a stroke. “I never suspected that my symptoms were the result of a stroke,” Girard said. “I always thought stroke was a condition that mainly affected the elderly or those with high blood pressure, but my case proves stroke can truly affect anyone.” Fortunately for Girard, her stroke was detected early enough, which enabled her to make a full, successful recovery.

For the 19th Annual Strides for Stroke, the DVSC has partnered with Parx Casino, Philly Pretzel Factory and additional local businesses and corporations to provide refreshments and information in a community-sponsored vendor alley. Participants and volunteers will enjoy race-day giveaways, gifts and prizes compliments of Weston Fitness, Modells and Yoga Garden. Kathleen Titus of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau will warm-up the crowd along with DJ Steve Hawk of EMS Entertainment prior to the start of the race.

To register for Strides for Stroke, visit http://www.phillystroke.org/Assets/strides_for_stroke_2013.html or call (215) 772-9040. To learn more about the DVSC and its initiatives, visit http://www.phillystroke.org/.

About 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 a citizens’ organization. Founded 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.

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