Stride for someone you love

With one stroke every nine minutes in Australia, Stroke Foundation is challenging the community to Stride4stroke this November.

The physical activity campaign raises funds to support vital programs for stroke survivors and their families, registrations are now open, and participants can set their own activity goal and fundraising target.

Queensland woman Nicola Baker will take part in Stride4stroke and will walk for her 14-year-old son Jed, who had a stroke at just 11 months old.

“Jed’s stroke came as a huge shock. It not only changed his life, it changed mine too,” Ms Baker said.

“While life has been isolating at times and full of challenges and doctor appointments, each day is a gift. We didn’t know whether Jed would be able to go to school, let alone reach his teens.

“Jed has had three rounds of brain surgery and monitoring is just a part of life, but he is a wonderful kid who has brought me so much joy. I want to help support others in a similar position.”

Nicola will aim to walk 10 kilometres each day of November and has encouraged friends to join her and said being part of a team would ensure she walked every day and would help raise more funds.

“Everyone I know has a personal connection to stroke – whether it be a parent, grandparent, friend or colleague. Many have seen first-hand how devastating it can be,” she said.

“By taking part in Stride4stroke, we will not only be helping to raise funds to help Stroke Foundation make recovery from stroke better for families, there is the added bonus of reducing our own risk of stroke by getting active.”

Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Sharon McGowan congratulated Nicola on getting involved in Stride4Stroke and encouraged others to follow her lead.

“We see the impact of stroke on families, like Nicola’s, every day. There will be around 56,000 strokes in Australia in 2018. Stroke is one of this country’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.

“Stroke can strike anyone at any age, but you can make a difference. Every dollar raised through Stride4stroke will have an enormous impact. It will go towards vital Stroke Foundation programs like StrokeLine (1800 787 653) and follow up services which help survivors and their family’s transition to life back home after stroke and throughout the recovery journey,” she said.

This November who will you stride for? Get a team together for Stride4stroke or do it by yourself, set an activity and fundraising goal and go for it.