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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