May is Stroke Awareness Month, and for this Patient Community Newsletter, we’re going to help spread awareness about this all-too-common vascular event. Knowing is half the battle, and we encourage you and your loved ones to learn about what a stroke is, what it looks like, and what to do if it happens.

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Vascular Cures wants to mark this important month by spreading the message that 80% of strokes are preventable. 

A little progress on eating healthier or reducing smoking can make a difference. Strokes are often caused by high blood pressure. Reducing sodium in your diet is one great way to lower your risk. Talk to your provider about what you can do to prevent a stroke. 

It's also important to know the warning signs of a stroke. The acronym FAST can help you deal with a suspected stroke.

F: Face - is their smile drooping? Does their face look uneven?

A: Arm - is one arm weak? Can they raise both?

S: Speech - is it jumbled or slurred? Are they having difficulty speaking?

T: Time to call 9-1-1 right away. 

Learn more at https://www.vascularcures.org/stroke. 

Susan’s Stroke Story

At age 39 my life was just beginning to take off. I was married with a family, and I loved my career as a computer scientistI still enjoyed many hobbies from my childhood - ballet, skiing, piano playing, and figure skating. My life was good. 

In 1993 while Christmas shopping for my five year old daughter, my life changed.  Without warning, I had a massive stroke due to a carotid dissection - a tear in the lining of my right carotid artery. 

The stroke left its mark. The damage to my brain caused seizures which continue to this day, as well as some cognitive and visual deficits.  My left leg and foot were paralyzed although I can now walk with the use of a cane. My paralyzed left arm and hand are remain flaccid . After physical therapy, the love and support of my family and friends, and my determination, I am now independent with occasional assistance for one-handed tasks.

A stroke can affect anyone of any age, at any time. The Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures’ work is incredibly important - it’s crucial to support their mission.

Vascular Cures’ Patients are Partners program is looking for patients or caregivers with lived experience of vascular disease, including experiences with strokes. While many of our existing patient partners have experience with atherosclerotic (plaque-related) diseases outside of the heart, we are also interested in hearing from patients who have experienced blood clotting, strokes, and other vascular events as well. 

We partner with you according to your schedule, and opportunities are paid and remote. Join us in improving vascular care and research for all! For more information, visit https://www.vascularcures.org/our-programs/patients-are-partners.