Perth locals heartfelt thank you

Morley resident Maria Kumar is marking National Stroke Week (August 2-8) by saying thank you to her workmates, son-in-law and the health professionals at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for their fast response after her stroke.  

When the 63 year old experienced a stroke in 2019, Maria’s work colleagues came to her aid immediately.

Maria said she was in the office when she suddenly lost balance and started holding on to walls and desks to keep upright. 

“I managed to sit down and my boss encouraged me to go to see a doctor,” Maria said. 

“Although I didn’t feel right, I didn’t want to make a fuss. I tried to convince my colleagues to drive me home instead, but my son-in-law Kevin called on the way and insisted they take me straight to hospital.  

“As a result of their care and quick thinking, the staff at the hospital were able to treat me immediately.”

Stroke strikes the brain, the human control centre. It can happen to anyone at any age and can change lives in an instant.  

It’s estimated there will be more than 2,700 strokes in Western Australia this year, while almost 44,000 survivors of stroke are living in the community.

Maria has joined with Stroke Foundation to urge Perth residents to learn and share the most common signs of stroke, F.A.S.T (Face. Arms. Speech. Time), to help save lives and reduce disability from stroke.  

Using the F.A.S.T test involves asking these simple questions:
• Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms Can they lift both arms?
• Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away

Stroke Foundation Western Australia State Manager Luke Hays thanked Maria for helping to spread the word about F.A.S.T. 

“We know the faster a stroke patient gets to hospital and receives medical treatment, the better their chance is of survival and successful rehabilitation,” Mr Hays said.  

“Stroke is always a medical emergency. Time saved equals brain saved.”

National Stroke Week is the Stroke Foundation’s annual stroke awareness campaign. The theme in 2021, is United by Stroke. Be United by Stroke by teaching your loved ones the F.A.S.T. message.