Hi there

The Stroke Survivors Foundation and Angels Initiative are collaborating on a nationwide drive to raise awareness of Stroke and knowing the signs of Stroke.

Let us tell you more about Angels Initiatives' FAST HEROES…

WHAT IS THE FAST HEROES CAMPAIGN?

An award-winning educational initiative aimed at raising awareness of stroke symptoms and the need for speedy action.  It leverages children’s amazing enthusiasm for learning and sharing, encouraging the spread of knowledge to the rest of their family, particularly to their grandparents.

WHY IS THE CAMPAIGN NEEDED?

The sad reality is that one in four of us will have a stroke in our lifetime1.  Worldwide, stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability.  Stroke is treatable though – people can survive with their lives intact if they receive fast and effective acute care.  However, research shows that people often do not recognise the key signs of a stroke and do not seek emergency treatment straight away2.  Primary school aged children can help make a real difference, acting as a catalyst to spark interest amongst their wider family. In fact, educating children is proven to be a viable way to enhance their community’s stroke preparedness3.

Because the average age of a stroke patient is around 70 years of age.  And we know that grandparents are an especially important source of unconditional love, patience, and kindness for many children around the world.  Given stroke is one of the biggest reasons that children lose their grandparents - to death or disability - we are essentially fighting for them to have more quality time together.   Tanya The Teacher - YouTube

HOW IS THE EDUCATION DELIVERED?

The superhero themed educational resources at the heart of the campaign are fun, engaging, and interactive, teaching youngsters about empathy and love, as well as providing practical life-saving skills.  They center around four animated characters - a group of retired superhero grandparents and their grandson Timmy - who teach children about the three key signs of stroke – a face that suddenly droops to one side, one arm that suddenly goes weak, or two lips that suddenly cannot form speech – as well as the importance of immediately calling an ambulance.

Children are empowered with tools with which they can fulfil their mission of educating their grandparents.  

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

We’re calling on primary schools around the world to help support the roll out of this ground-breaking campaign. You can help by contacting schools in your local area who might be interested in participating.  Schools are well placed to help get multiple children engaged.  They can get involved at the level that’s right for them – the campaign website sets out the different options.  You can also sign up your child or grandchild to complete the educational programme online.

 WHAT IS IN IT FOR SCHOOLS? 

All resources needed to support the campaign are being offered completely free.  It’s a great chance to participate in something special for an important cause. 

 HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT MORE?

By visiting www.fastheroes.com 

Please also like the Fast Heroes | Facebook  & subscribe to the Fast Heroes - YouTube channel. 

IF ANY OF YOU KNOW OF A SCHOOL THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO JOIN THIS WONDERFUL PROGRAM – PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE FAST HEROES NATIONAL COORDINATOR: 

Renathe van der Merwe

Cell:  082 523 5487 or renathe.vandermerwe@iqvia.com

 References:

1 World Stroke Organization

2 Caminiti et al. BMC Emergency Medicine (2017) 17:20 DOI 10.1186/s12873-017-0130-9

3 Hickey etal., 2018; Sug Yoon et al., 2001.