Madam Pomfrey can't help - way OT
aprilgc at ivillage.com
aprilgc at ivillage.com
Mon Aug 20 17:59:06 UTC 2001
Hello all,
I am participating in a program called "Train to End Stroke" (TTES),
which is part of the reason I've had to curtail my Potter obsession
(but I have penciled in some time to go through the posts I've missed
next weekend can't quit cold turkey <g>). The program provides a
coach, a nutritionist, and a training regimen to people who train to
walk or run a marathon while raising funds for the American Stroke
Association (ASA). I'm training to walk the Jamaica Reggae Marathon on
December 8th.
This message is not about fundraising, though; it's about awareness. We
(team members) were recently given statistics that I found very
disturbing. Only 26% of Americans can name the common symptoms of
stroke the third leading cause of death in the United States. I
wonder how many of those of us who know which witches and wizards
belong to which House, and recognize the signs of Ron's growing
infatuation with Hermione fall into the 26%? (I'm not excluding people
outside the U.S.; I just don't have those figures.)
When stroke occurs, no potion or wand waving will heal you good as new.
I'm not even sure Madam Pomfrey has a cure. The most successful
treatment, though, is IMMEDIATE treatment. Most people wait an average
of 22 hours before seeking medical help. We're more likely to seek
immediate treatment for those around us or for ourselves if we know the
warning signs. Please visit www.strokeassociation. org to learn more
about stroke.
If you are interested in learning more about the program from a
participant (it's currently operating in 36 cities/18 states, with more
slated to start) please email me (off-list). Please visit www.
geocities.com/aprilgc/traintoendstroke.pdf if you would like to read my
appeal or email me if you're willing to contribute. I'm trying to raise
$4000 and training to walk 26.2 miles. I'd appreciate any contributions
you'd be willing to make -- financial (tax-deductible) or other (good
thoughts/wishes, prayers, rejuvenation spells, Magical Muscle Ache
reliever, Blister B Gone (I'd love to go shopping in Diagon Alley <g>),
bandages, advice, etc.)
As Dumbledore did with announcement about the forbidden door (I loved
that scene), I am admittedly attempting to shake you up a little bit.
Please go to the ASA web site and find out why. Here comes the
shameless (but true) motivator (I hope): Someone suffers a stroke every
53 seconds. How many seconds have passed since you started reading this
message?
Please take care.
Magically yours (or Muggally yours if you prefer <g>),
April (AKA Lady Leprechaun)
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