ANCHORAGE, Alaska, April 30, 2024 – Chelsea Hunt was at home chatting with her friend on Facetime when something suddenly didn’t feel right. The left side of her body had lost sensation and was unresponsive. She was experiencing a stroke. Although her friend was out of the state and unable to intervene, Hunt’s 12-year-old son was home and called 911. Paramedics arrived and Hunt was quickly transported to the hospital where she received treatment within 30 minutes of her stroke symptom onset. She had no residual side effects from the stroke, was discharged from the hospital within a few days, and could return to work within three weeks.

“I am so thankful that my son could identify something was wrong and call 911,” said Hunt. “Without his fast action, I very likely wouldn’t be here today. Everyone, including kids, needs to learn the signs of stroke and what to do if they occur. It takes all of us to save lives and improve outcomes.” 

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S.[1] According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable. This May, during American Stroke Month, people across Alaska are encouraged to learn the signs of stroke with F.A.S.T. If you spot Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911. 

While being able to quickly spot and respond to a stroke is critical in improving outcomes for stroke patients, it’s also important to take steps to lower the risk of stroke before one occurs. High blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for stroke. It’s also important to eat a heart-healthy diet, get exercise throughout the day, quit smoking or vaping and know your numbers. American Stroke Month is a good opportunity to talk to a health care professional about lowering your personal risk for stroke. Learn more at stroke.org/StrokeMonth

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About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X.

For Media Inquiries: 

Lily Gordon; lily.gordon@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

 

[1] [1] S S Martin; et al Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2024 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2024; 149:e347–e913. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209