STRIDES FOR STROKES SUNDAY JUNE 10
Toby Mazer, founder of the Delaware Valley Stroke Council (DVSC) and the Dr. Howard
Mazer Strides for Stroke 5K Run/Walk, invites you to celebrate this memorial event named in
memory of her late husband, a Stroke survivor. The Dr. Howard Mazer 18 annual Strides for
Stroke 5K Run/Walk is part of the Delaware Valley Stroke Council’s continued effort to fundraise
for their fiscal year to assure their continued education of Stroke to the Greater Philadelphia
community. Fundraising each year allows the DVSC to remain a resource to inform the Greater
Philadelphia area on the signs and symptoms of Stroke and for Stroke-related support material,
and free health screenings at local area hospitals including Jefferson Hospital & rehabilitation
facilities such as Moss Rehab.
One of the most powerful messages the DVSC promotes is that Stroke can affect
anyone. Stroke does not discriminate based on age, gender, or ethnicity. Philadelphia native Lisa
O’Rear learned this first-hand when she suffered a stroke at the age of 34. As a marathon runner
and yoga enthusiast, Lisa never thought she was at risk for a stroke. Describing the days after
her stroke, Lisa said, “I remember the frustration and defeat I felt at not being able to balance
as I tried to place one foot in front of the other while trying, unsuccessfully, to walk in a straight
line.” Now a year later, Lisa has recovered from her stroke and is training for her 9 th marathon.
Her story of not knowing the symptoms of stroke is a common one in the stroke community,
and with Lisa’s help, we can encourage more education within Philadelphia!
Faithful volunteers of the medical community and supporters of the Delaware Valley
Stroke Council make events like the Dr. Howard Mazer Strides for Stroke possible. To help
celebrate the day, the DVSC has partnered with local businesses and corporate partners to
provide refreshments and information in community-sponsored vendor alley. Participants and
volunteers will enjoy awesome race-day freebies, gifts and prizes including free Powerade ZERO,
pretzels from Philly Soft Pretzel Factory and fresh fruit all day. Ten lucky registrants will win a
pair of Red Star designer sunglasses, four will win tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and
one will win an autographed John Mayberry Jr. Phillies jersey.
A smashing after party will be hosted from 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM at center city dining
destination El Vez, located at 121 South 13th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 for all Strides
for Stroke volunteers. Participants, volunteers, media partners and friends of the race are
encouraged to enjoy the post-race festivities after crossing the finish-line including refreshments
and awards. Please come and join us!
For more information about race registration, inquiries can be directed to
www.firstgiving.com/dvsc/stridesforstroke2012 or found at the Delaware Valley Stroke
Council’s home page, www.phillystroke.org
About Delaware Valley Stroke Council:
