SEATTLE, October 17, 2024 – Shelly Evans remembers being at work on the morning of January 24, 2022, the day she suffered a stroke. “I was talking to a co-worker at her desk and remember returning to my desk, sitting down and that’s when everything changed,” said Evans. “Suddenly it felt like I was looking through a kaleidoscope.” Luckily for Evans, another coworker passed by her desk and called her name. Evans was unable to respond so they investigated further. Evans could hear them calling her name, but she continued to be unable to speak. The co-worker yelled for someone to call 911. 

“Calling 911 when you suspect someone might be experiencing a stroke gives the individual the best chance of a good outcome,” said Brian Kott, M.D., Cortex Neurovascular Surgeon, Stroke Medical Director, MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and American Stroke Association volunteer medical expert. “There are treatments for stroke, but they are time-bound, meaning the faster a stroke patient arrives at the hospital, the more tools we have available to treat them. Time is crucial.” 

According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S.[1], despite stroke being largely preventable, treatable and beatable. Women face an even greater risk, one in five women will experience a stroke in their lifetime. 

Emergency medical services arrived quickly, and Evans remembers her left side was weak as they were examining her. Evans was prepared for transport to the hospital and she recalls only bits and pieces of leaving the office and arriving at the emergency room. At the hospital she was greeted by the stroke team, and they quickly began their evaluation and then treatment. It was determined that Evans had a clot next to her ear. The medical team administered a “clot busting medication” and then decided she needed a procedure called a mechanical thrombectomy where they manually removed the clot and installed a stent. Evans recalls all of this happening in around 45 minutes. The system of care worked as it was designed: quick symptom recognition, calling 911, EMS alerting the hospital to a potential incoming stroke and the stroke team meeting the patient at the door. 

October 29 is World Stroke Day, a day celebrated globally every year. The American Stroke Association is highlighting the importance of acting F.A.S.T. if a stroke emergency is suspected. F.A.S.T. stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. 

“It’s important to note, that often someone other than the person experiencing the stroke recognizes the signs and calls 911,” said Kott. “Stroke can impact speech and the individual may not be able to make that lifesaving call. This is why the stroke warning signs are something that everyone in our community should know.” 

World Stroke Day is also an opportunity to submit a nomination for the American Stroke Association’s annual Stroke Hero Awards. The awards recognize stroke survivors, caregivers, advocates and experts making a difference in the stroke community. To nominate and individual or a team in one of six categories, visit stroke.org/StrokeHeroAwards. Entries are due at 6:00 p.m. PT on Dec. 3, 2024 with winners announced on May 1, 2025, during American Stroke Month. 

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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. Connect with us in Washington on heart.org/Washington, Facebook, Instagram and X.

For Media Inquiries:

Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org

Francesca Minas, francesca.minas@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