Stroke Smart Magazine
May/June 2008
CHAMPION OF HOPE
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Ronny Schwartz
Making a Difference One Person at a Time By Jeannie Price
On a hot summer day in 1986, Ronny Schwartz awoke from a nap and could not move her leg. She called her doctor, who strongly urged her to get immediate medical attention. A friend took her to the hospital later in the day. After a battery of tests, it was determined that Ronny, an avid smoker, had suffered a stroke.
After a two-week hospital stay, Ronny was able to go home. Her discharge instructions included frequent outpatient visits with a therapist and smoking fewer cigarettes. She was not told that smoking was a leading risk factor for stroke. She was not told to quit smoking altogether. She was not told that quitting could reduce her stroke risk immediately.
Today Ronny knows a lot more about stroke prevention, symptom recognition and the need to act fast, and she shares her story, and her wisdom, with anyone who will listen.
In addition, Ronny and her family support efforts to reduce the impact of stroke through research grants and funding. Ronny makes a difference one person at a time, one day at a time. And you can too. During National Stroke Awareness Month this May, share your
story. Talk to your family and friends about stroke risk, symptom recognition and prevention of stroke. Together, we can reduce the incidence and impact of stroke.
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