Mark Ford's story
An extremely fit person and avid ultramarathon runner, Mark had gone to bed early one fateful night, but to his surprise, suffered an ischemic stroke in the wee hours of the morning.
January newsletter 2024
By Jo Lambert, Chief Executive Officer
Do you know what a TIA is?
In this issue...
Welcome to your first newsletter of 2024! You'll be hearing from us a little more often in 2024, as we have so many inspiring stories and exciting things to share with you. Every month, we'll be sharing stories from people affected by stroke, stroke education, and letting you know how you're making a difference to the lives of New Zealanders. You can change your email preferences at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of our emails.
This month, we want to tell you about TIAs: Transient Ischaemic Attacks.
Liz's story
Arrowtown-based Liz Palmer had been fit and healthy throughout her life. She and her husband David enjoyed travelling overseas and had many successful business endeavours, including founding the iconic Remarkable Sweet Shop with their son, Jonathan. But Liz’s whole life changed when she had a series of TIAs and then a stroke.
What is a TIA?
A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is the same as a stroke, except that the signs last for a short amount of time and no longer than 24 hours.
Although the signs do not last long, a TIA is very serious. More than one in 12 people will have a stroke within a week after a TIA.
How your donations make a difference
- You connected Community Stroke Advisors with over 3000 stroke survivors like Liz Palmer
- You provided free tests and information to people at high risk of stroke, helping them lower their risk
- You educated the public on the link between salt intake & stroke risk
Your Challenge: Make one change to reduce your risk of having a TIA
The same steps to lower your stroke risk apply for TIAs, so you could reduce your salt intake, quit smoking, or move more. Every little bit counts in the fight against stroke!
Thank you
Here are a few of our amazing Stroke Champions, who are taking part in incredible long distance events next month to support stroke survivors and prevent strokes in the community:
Brent Woolhouse
Brent is taking part in the Coast to Coast Longest Day Marathon on February 10, and has already raised close to $1000!
Ben & Chris
Ben & Chris are also completing the Coast to Coast, supporting both SFNZ and and the Fred Hollows Foundation.
We'll be back in your inbox next month with more stories, information, and a new challenge!
Jo Lambert
Chief Executive Officer | The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand