Dynamic duo recognised with prestigious national award

Two dynamic Mums who established a successful support group for families and survivors of paediatric stroke have been awarded Stroke Foundation’s most prestigious accolade.

Dee Banks of Ballarat in Victoria and Kylie Facer from McCullys Gap in NSW are joint winners of the 2022 Stroke Foundation President’s Achievement Award, presented today at the national awards event in Melbourne. The award acknowledges people who have made a significant contribution to Stroke Foundation’s mission and who have been to improving stroke services.

These two women found each other during a time of personal crisis, following the diagnosis that their children had suffered a stroke. Together they set up the support group Little Stroke Warriors in 2017, as a way of connecting with parents like themselves, whose children had experienced a stroke. What began as a small group of members has evolved to a larger network of hundreds of parents.

The President’s Achievement Award is presented by Stroke Foundation President, Professor Linda Kristjanson AO.

“Kylie and Dee may have thought they were initially setting up a small niche group which would provide support to others, but in effect their selfless work and commitment to improving outcomes for children with stroke has led to so much more.

“They have been instrumental in Stroke Foundation’s development of a suite of hospital resources about childhood stroke to help families navigate the journey ahead. Their advocacy and commitment to raising awareness of childhood stroke also helped to secure $4m in research funding from Medical Research Future Fund,” Professor Kristjanson AO said.

“This is a tremendous effort. And of course, they have done all of this while supporting their own daughters through rehabilitation.”

“Our community has been enriched by their willingness to roll up their sleeves and make a significant, enduring contribution.”

The Stroke Awards celebrate the unsung heroes in our community who go above and beyond to improve the lives of Australians affected by stroke. This includes the survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals, researchers and members of the community.

There are seven award categories in total: Stroke Warrior, Improving Life after Stroke, Creative, Courage, Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and President’s Achievement.

For more information visit strokefoundation.org.au  

Media contact: m) 0408 000 409 e) media@strokefoundation.org.au