NAPLES, Texas, May 21, 2024 – Carla Udeochu is recovering from a series of strokes she experienced in February of this year, thanks to the quick thinking of her 7-year-old daughter, Chelsea, who learned to spot the signs of stroke in school and called 911.
Chelsea, a second-grader at Pewitt Elementary School in Omaha, Texas, had learned the F.A.S.T. warning signs from a video her teacher Kelly Richey showed in class. The video was from the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, and provided to the school through the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge program.
Kids Heart Challenge focuses on whole body well-being, helping students improve their own health and better their character while raising life-saving donations for the American Heart Association to help kids with special hearts. The Association has long-used the acronym F.A.S.T. (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties and time to call 911) to educate the public on detecting symptoms of a stroke.
“By the grace of God and the life skills provided at Pewitt Elementary School from P.E. teacher Ms. Richey, Chelsea was educated and ready to assist me during my emergency time of need,” said Udeochu.
The mom said she was sweating and dizzy when she woke early the morning of Feb. 25. Udeochu said she felt as if she was choking. She woke Chelsea, who immediately called 911.
“Chelsea advised the operator that I was having a stroke because of the symptoms,” recalled Udeochu. “Chelsea remained on the phone with the operator until the paramedics arrived.” The mom eventually wound up at UT Health Tyler, where she spent two weeks in the intensive care unit.
Richey, Chelsea’s P.E. teacher, had been delving into the Kids Heart Challenge curriculum, providing a five to 10-minute health lesson before beginning the active part of her class. She had wanted to show a video on hands-only CPR, but ended up showing the F.A.S.T music video instead, a week ahead of schedule.
“After watching the music video, we had an in-depth discussion about the signs and symptoms of a stroke. I was impressed with how much information my students absorbed from watching the video,” said Richey. Afterward, they played a game. Then at the end of class, Richey reviewed the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Richey learned of Chelsea’s mom’s stroke from the school principal the next week.
“Each year, I try to use as much of the information put out for the Kid's Heart Challenge to educate my students on how to stay healthy and how to watch out for their families,” said Richey. “I think the kids really pick up the F.A.S.T. song because it is done in a song that is catchy yet fits in with today's music styles.”
Richey describes Chelsea as a “loving, tiny ball of energy.”
“She is the type of person who is excited about everything and can't wait to get started. She is the first person to volunteer to help anywhere she can.”
Udeochu said she is still recovering, focusing primarily on her speech.
Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke[1], and 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another one[2]. During May, American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is raising awareness nationwide that stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable.
A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. However, the burden and risk of stroke is higher among Black and Hispanic adults in the U.S. This is in part due to unmanaged risk factors including high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
A large majority of strokes can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as moving more, eating smart and managing conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) and high blood pressure.
For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[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 Table 29-1 & 29-2 Accessed 4.2.24
[2] 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