THE DELAWARE VALLEY STROKE COUNCIL MAKES STRIDES WITH 18 ANNUAL 5K RUN/WALK
For more information, contact Jennifer Sherlock
jsherlock@jennacommunications.com
THE DELAWARE VALLEY STROKE COUNCIL MAKES STRIDES WITH
18 ANNUAL 5K RUN/WALK
PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 7, 2012 — Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. along the beautiful Martin Luther King Drive (West River Drive) against the scenic backdrop of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, a large crowd of enthusiastic participants will once again gather to fight against the threat of Stroke in our community. Thanks to the growing number of Stroke survivors, runners, walkers, teams, sponsors and media, the continuing success of this event has allowed the DVSC to dramatically raise awareness of Stroke, its warning signs, and risk factors.
Toby Mazer, founder of the Delaware Valley Stroke Council (DVSC) and the Dr. Howard Mazer Strides for Stroke 5K Run/Walk, invites you to celebrate this memorial event named in memory of her late husband, a Stroke survivor. The Dr. Howard Mazer 18 annual Strides for Stroke 5K Run/Walk is part of the Delaware Valley Stroke Council’s continued effort to fundraise for their fiscal year to assure their continued education of Stroke to the Greater Philadelphia community. Fundraising each year allows the DVSC to remain a resource to inform the Greater Philadelphia area on the signs and symptoms of Stroke and for Stroke-related support material, as well as free health screenings at local area hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.
One of the most powerful messages the DVSC promotes is that Stroke can affect anyone. Stroke does not discriminate based on age, gender, or ethnicity. Lisa O’Rear, a Miami Native who now lives in Philadelphia learned this first-hand when she suffered a stroke at the age of 34. As a marathon runner and yoga enthusiast, Lisa never thought she was at risk for a Stroke. One day Lisa began to experience symptoms such as dizziness, impaired vision, and loss of balance, which she thought were signs of a Stroke. In just a few moments her life was changed completely. Describing the days after her Stroke, Lisa said, “I remember the frustration and defeat I felt at not being able to balance as I tried to place one foot in front of the other while trying, unsuccessfully, to walk in a straight line.” Now a year later, Lisa has recovered from her Stroke and is training for her 9th marathon. Luckily Lisa was able to recognize the symptoms of Stroke, but this is often not the case for many people. Stroke education can often mean the difference between life and death, which is why the Strides for Stroke 5k Run/Walk stresses the importance of more Stroke education and awareness within Philadelphia.
Faithful volunteers of the medical community and supporters of the Delaware Valley Stroke Council make events like the Dr. Howard Mazer Strides for Stroke possible. To help celebrate the day, the DVSC has partnered with local businesses and corporate partners to provide refreshments and information in community-sponsored vendor alley. Participants and volunteers will enjoy awesome race-day freebies, gifts and prizes including free Powerade ZERO, pretzels from Philly Soft Pretzel Factory and fresh fruit all day. Holly Waters, Best Of Philly trainer at SWEAT Fitness will warm-up the crowd and get the runners and walkers ready to race at 7:45 a.m. Ten lucky registrants will win a pair of Red Star designer sunglasses, and one will win an autographed John Mayberry Jr. Phillies jersey.
A smashing after-party will be hosted from 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at center city dining destination El Vez, located at 121 South 13th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 for all Strides for Stroke volunteers. Participants, volunteers, media partners and friends of the race are encouraged to enjoy the post-race festivities after crossing the finish-line including refreshments and awards. Please come and join us!
For more information about race registration, inquiries can be directed to www.firstgiving.com/dvsc/stridesforstroke2012 or found at the Delaware Valley Stroke Council’s home page, www.phillystroke.org
About Delaware Valley Stroke Council:
The Delaware Valley Stroke Council operates under some basic guiding principles which include assisting individuals in accessing the best quality of care regardless of race, religion, gender or socioeconomic status. We help Stroke survivors and caregivers navigate our complex health insurance system to gain access to necessary treatment and care. We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. By informing our legislators through the collection of comparative data and outcome tracking, we provide statistical data that is the backbone of lifesaving laws and regulations. We routinely collaborate with hospitals and rehabilitation centers to ensure state-of-the-art Stroke care is available to everyone in the region. We strive to create a public that has the knowledge to act upon the signs and symptoms of Stroke thereby reducing the incidence of death and disability in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.