Coming Full Circle...

Ever notice how some things in your life seem so simplistic and one-dimensional at one time, but the course of life allows a deeper meaning to unfold creating new defining moments at another time? Recent events have left me thinking about something that was just such a defining point in my life. In January 2003, I signed up for a program called "Train to End Stroke" along with two of my friends. We committed to training for a full marathon and each raising $5,000 to benefit the American Stroke Association over the next six months. We trained along with a team of about 20 people in the Cincinnati area, running through snow, ice, rain, and heat. We also gave up our entire social life for the following months to make hot dogs at ballpark concession stands, sell pizza slices at work, or solicit donations to help reach our financial goal. In the end, our team raised over $100,000 and ran 26.2 miles through piping hot lava fields in Kona, Hawaii. It was a grueling, yet amazingly fulfilling six month experience and only through the support of good friends & family did I make it to the goal. Many people did it because they had a close family member affected by a stroke - their stroke hero. I, on the other hand, felt compelled to support this cause in honor of my family members who may be affected by stroke in the future. Wow - little did I know how closely it would touch my life in the near future.

Most people know by now that my mom had a stroke a little over a week ago. The good news is that she is recovering well physically, is regaining her speaking abilities, and seems to have retained her signature sense of humor. She's definitely my stroke hero now! However, that does not change the terrifying feeling of flying home to be at the side of someone you love so much after they've had a stroke. That experience gives all new meaning to my previous involvement with Train to End Stroke and the need for more education programs out there. The reality of surviving a stroke really hits home to me now and has renewed my passion for this cause that consumed so much of my life three years ago. Stroke is the #3 cause of death and, while you may not always be able to prevent it from happening, you can definitely lessen the long-term effects of stroke by being knowledgeable about the warning signs. I write all of this to say - know the warning signs of stroke and know how to get help if it happens. And, if you feel up to a challenge, consider signing up with a Train to End Stroke team in your hometown. More than 75% of the money raised goes directly to stroke research and education programs in your local area. It could save someone's life! (www.strokeassociation.com)