Piedmont Macon hosts Stroke Stroll

Survivors took a stroll around the cafeteria area as staff and family cheered and danced while music played to celebrate. The monthly "Strive from Stroke" support group meeting followed the stroll.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon hosted “Stroke Stroll: A celebration of stroke survivors” on Thursday.

Survivors took a stroll around the cafeteria area as staff and family cheered and danced while music played to celebrate. The monthly “Strive from Stroke” support group meeting followed the stroll.

Piedmont Macon has held the Stroke Stroll since 1993.

“It’s very special to me, because you never know what goes on in peoples’ bodies, and by me being a part of this particular walk, (it) really gives me an honor to be here, and I thank everyone for being so patient and loving here at Piedomont,” survivor Marqueda Lucas said.

Monica Cook, the stroke coordinator for Piedmont Macon, says if you notice any sign of stroke, act quickly and call 911. She recommends the use of the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T., checking for issues with Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time/Terrible Headache.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the country, taking a life every three minutes and fourteen seconds.