Meet Kristen - A stroke survivor coming to Washington D.C.

The following is a guest post from Kristen Powers. She is a You're the Cure advocate from Florida, who will be in Washington D.C. later this month advocating for the Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act.

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I was just 33 years old when I had my stroke. One day I was training for my second half-Ironman triathlon, the next day I woke up in intensive care with the right side of my body completely paralyzed. In a matter of hours, my whole life changed.

But I didn’t let it slow me down. 

Through four months of rehabilitation, I relearned simple tasks, like tying my shoes.  And I am proud to say that I just laced up my sneakers and finished a half-marathon earlier this month.

My experience is why I am making the journey to Washington, DC in a few weeks to ask my legislators to increase access to telestroke care. But I can’t do this alone. Will you join me by messaging your lawmakers to support the Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act?

Telestroke connects patients to stroke specialists, especially where there are shortages of neurologists is not available. Research shows this technology improves patients’ access to  the clot-busting drug tPA during a stroke that can reduce disability and speed up recovery.  For me, access to tPA was how I was able to put my shoes back on and compete again.

I cannot wait to share my journey with our elected officials, but I need to know you’re with me. Amplify my voice today! 

 

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