Jason Pryor spent nine days in March recovering from a stroke at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto. He was so touched by the exceptional, compassionate care he received, he decided to show his appreciation by giving back and raising awareness about strokes.
Jason’s fundraising event, the first annual Stronger Than a Stroke Fun Run, was held on Saturday, June 3, at Shelby Farms Park. It raised $2,500 for the Baptist DeSoto Rehab Program to provide equipment and educational materials for stroke victims.
“Jason reminds us how the generosity, selflessness and dedication of just one person can have a major impact on many lives, whether through a single personal donation or by bringing others together for a common, worthy cause,” said Henry Kenworthy, senior development officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation.
In less than one month, Jason organized a team of volunteers who scheduled, planned and organized the Stronger Than a Stroke Fun Run. The team created a website for runners to register for the event and make donations. They even secured a group of major sponsors that included ATA CPAs and Advisors, Ducks Heating and Air Conditioning, RSH Consulting, United Water Restoration Group, and the Power Plant, a non-profit organization.
Jason hopes this annual event will grow bigger each year with future runs to take place in May, which is National Stroke Awareness Month.
Baptist Foundation Honors Physical Therapist
The Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation presented Olivia Williams, physical therapist, with the Baptist Health Care Hero award. Jason donated to the Baptist Foundation in honor of Olivia for going above and beyond during his stay at Baptist DeSoto’s inpatient rehab unit.
“Olivia has been an outstanding team member in our Physical Therapy department at Baptist DeSoto for the last five years,” said Anne Mize, rehabilitation manager at Baptist DeSoto.
B.E. F.A.S.T. to Recognize Stroke
B.E. F.A.S.T. is a reminder to help recognize the signs of stroke and act quickly:
Balance (sudden loss of balance)
Eyes (loss of vision in one or both eyes)
Face (face looks uneven)
Arm (arm or leg weakness/hanging)
Speech (slurred speech/trouble speaking/confusion)
Terrible headache (thunderclap headache/worst headache of your life).
