Stroke Telemedicine saved Kate's life
Kate Comer admits she’s been given a second chance at life after suffering a stroke two years ago at the age of 34.
The stroke happened in an instant, but fortunately the mother of two received medical treatment quickly and has made an excellent recovery.
Kate said this November, she will Stride4stroke to help raise awareness of the disease and raise money for the Stroke Foundation.
“The Stroke Foundation is the reason I am alive today. Through their hard work I had access to the Victoria Stroke Telemedicine program – a vital resource for people in regional areas who are a long way from neurologists,” Kate said.
“The beauty of Stride4stroke is you can set your own physical activity goal. I will be running 100 kilometres throughout November.
“As an added bonus, I will be reducing my own stroke risk by being physically active.”
Research shows, one in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime. It can strike at any age, impacting children, teenagers and adults.
Stroke attacks the brain – the human control centre. There will be more than 56,000 strokes in Australia in 2018, including almost 400 in the Wannon region, but it can be treated and it can be beaten.
Kate encouraged the Hamilton community to follow her lead by taking part in Stride4stroke themselves or making a donation in support of her effort.
“Most of the people I know have a personal connection to stroke – whether it be a parent, grandparent, friend or colleague,’’ she said.
“I ask our community, who will you stride for this November?”
Stride4stroke is open to all ages and abilities and friends are invited to donate towards their efforts.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive officer Sharon McGowan said every dollar raised through Stride4stroke would have an impact.
“Funds raised will support vital Stroke Foundation programs like StrokeLine (1800 787 653) and follow up services to help survivors and their families transition to life after stroke,” Ms McGowan said.