Strides for Stroke record-breaking event for foundation
Record fundraiser. The sixth annual Richview Manor Strides for Stroke raised a record $125,000 for the York Region District Stroke Centre. Mike Cheliak Photo
“There were many athletes of all abilities at Strides for Stroke, but the true winners of this event are the patients of the York Region District Stroke Centre,” said Joseph Gulizia, chair of the Strides for Stroke committee and a foundation board member.
More than 700 participants, the largest number in history, attended the May 7 event held at Richmond Green in Richmond Hill. The event included a 1K Scamper for children under 12, 1K Hip Hip Hooray race for York Central Hospital’s orthopaedic patients and 5K run/walk.
Participants enjoyed post-race massages courtesy of Hillsview Massage and Therapy Centre and walked through the health fair, which featured several local businesses and organizations. The event’s proud naming sponsor for the second year in a row was Richview Manor, a 137-bed retirement home located on Eagles Nest Golf Club. The retirement home is scheduled to open November 2011. TD Canada Trust and Freedom 55 Financial also provided outstanding support to the event again by registering corporate teams and raising $27,000 and $12,000 respectively.
“We cannot thank the sponsors, volunteers, donors and participants enough for their outstanding support and commitment to the patients of the York Region District Stroke Centre,” said Mr. Gulizia. “A lot of effort went into planning this event and we couldn’t have asked for a better result.”
Dr. Vince Basile, a neurologist and medical director of the York Region District Stroke Centre at York Central Hospital, said funds raised from the event will have a dramatic impact on patient care.
“We try to go above and beyond the standard quality of care for patients and Strides for Stroke certainly helps us in achieving that goal,” he said.
Funds raised will go towards the purchase of vital equipment and technology including computer software that will help to rapidly identify the extent of damaged brain areas affected by a stroke. Rehabilitation software purchased will help patients regain functions previously lost or damaged from stroke including speech and mobility. The funds will also help to purchase rehabilitation equipment, fund educational opportunities for staff to enhance their knowledge and skills as well as increase access to care.
The centre provides the entire spectrum of stroke care from acute stroke reversal to stroke prevention and community reintegration. Last year, more than 750 patients were seen through the centre either as inpatients or outpatients.
“We have physician specialists in neurology, vascular surgery, intensive care, internal medicine and anti-coagulation, as well as speech language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists and a number of other allied health professionals that help to rehabilitate our patients,” said Dr. Basile. “We provide all of the care that is necessary to treat and prevent stroke symptoms right here at York Central Hospital.”
Dr. Basile noted that although the stroke centre often provides life-saving care and support to stroke patients and their families, there is something that patients can do to help themselves or loved ones further.
“If anyone has symptoms of a stroke, we encourage them to get to a hospital as fast as possible,” he said. “There’s a lot we can do to restore patients back to their normal function if they get to us within 4-1/2 hours from the onset of their symptoms. The faster patients get to us, the less potential there is for permanent brain damage. After this crucial time window the focus of care is rehabilitation and prevention.”
Save The Date! The seventh annual Strides for Stroke 5K Run/Walk has been booked for Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Richmond Green.
Originally published in The Liberal. Visit http://www.yorkregion.com/community/health/article/1017451--strides-for-stroke-record-breaking-event-for-foundation
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