‘Stomp Out Stroke’ This Weekend In St. Cloud

ST. CLOUD -- May is National Stroke Awareness Month and hundreds of walkers from around the state are expected at the Strides for Stroke walk Saturday morning in St. Cloud.

St. Cloud is one of four locations in Minnesota hosting the 13th annual walk which raises awareness about stroke and collects donations to support people who have suffered from stroke.

"We invite people to come out and learn a little bit more about stroke," says Bradley Donaldson, Associate Director of Operations at the Minnesota Stroke Association.

"The more individuals that we get out there, the more awareness that we gain; and the more awareness we have, the quicker people get services and medical care, which makes for a better outcome."

The walk is free to participate in and Donaldson encourages people to come out with their friends and family to form a walking team.

"There is no fee, it's purely donation-based," Donaldson says. "We ask for a suggested donation of $25 but that's totally optional."

"Ask your friends, ask your family, ask your co-workers, ask your employers -- all the funds raised go directly to support services for individuals, caregivers and loved ones."

Along with St. Cloud, Strides for Stroke will host events in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Rochester.

"For me, it's a day of celebration and hope," Donaldson says. "It never ceases to amaze me to come out to these events and see the power a community can have in the face of adversity."

"Stroke is a devastating moment -- sometimes leading to death, sometimes leading to permanent disability, sometimes just leading to a different phase in life -- but what matters is that the community takes action to show that we are more powerful than stroke."

Check-in for the Strides for Stroke walk begins at 9:00 a.m. at the CentraCare Health Plaza in St. Cloud.