ST. CLOUD -- Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke and every four minutes someone dies of stroke.

The St. Cloud Hospital Stroke Center along with the Minnesota Stroke Association hosted the 3rd annual Strides for Stroke walk in St. Cloud today (Saturday).

The walk is used to raise awareness for those who were or have been affected by stroke. It is also a way to raise funds for the Minnesota Stroke Association services and other awareness events.

Although the event is still relatively new in St. Cloud public relations associate for the Minnesota Stroke Association Michelle Gray-Ansari says it keeps growing every year.

"What's really awesome about the Minnesota Stroke Association's Strides for Stroke is that we have four satellite locations, the Twin Cities being the largest and with it being the third year for St. Cloud, we have 70 walkers here today (Saturday)," says Gray-Ansari.

St. Cloud Strides for Stroke Walk 2016 Photo By: Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
St. Cloud Strides for Stroke Walk 2016 Photo By: Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
loading...

 

 

Gray-Ansari says even if they only get a few more people signed up to walk each year it makes a huge difference.

"Every year if we can gain one more team, maybe that's 5-10 walkers, we're really happy with that."

Don Thilmony of Buffalo was this year's Strides of Stroke honoree walker. Thilmony had a stroke in March 2014 and has been going through the recovery process since his stroke.

"I've been working on rehab at the Buffalo Fitness Evolution, I have a trainer two days a week one hour each day and the other four days my wife Karen is my trainer," says Thilmony.

Thilmony says it's great to see people come out and come together to support those who have experienced stroke.

The Minnesota Stroke Association hosts a  Strides for Stroke walk in Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities. Last year statewide Strides for Stroke raised $50,000 this year's goal is to raise $75,000.

St. Cloud Strides for Stroke Walk 2016 Photo By: Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
St. Cloud Strides for Stroke Walk 2016 Photo By: Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
loading...

 

 

More From AM 1240 WJON