George Davis, Sr.

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Dear Friends,

As many of you know, a great man left us in 2011. You may have known my late husband George Linn Davis Sr. as a friend, as a family member, as an extraordinary businessman, or as a stroke advocate among others. However you were acquainted, I am certain that George had an impact on your life.

Outside of his personal and family life, George Davis Sr. had a passionate commitment to stroke prevention and treatment. In fact, he was one of the great champions for stroke victims. He began working with National Stroke Association in 1995, joined the board in 1996 and was elected chairman in 2000. Under his leadership, the legacy of which continues even today, National Stroke Association flourished. Perhaps his proudest achievement was the creation of a pioneering educational program documenting stroke on a major TV network. Produced by Al Roker and airing on NBC, the show touched millions throughout the United States and continues to be the most sought after stroke educational film—a true testament to George’s dedication.

Shortly after his passing in 2011, in an unparalleled response, our friends and loved ones supported his passion by generously contributing nearly $35,000 to National Stroke Association in his memory. Thus, we have carried on his commitment to help prevent stroke and to improve the lives affected by it.

To honor his legacy, our family has taken up the torch of George’s vision by continuing our partnership with National Stroke Association’s Board of Directors and CEO Jim Baranski in creating the George Davis Sr. Legacy Fund. Dedicated to improve the lives of more than seven million stroke survivors in the United States, the George Davis Sr. Legacy Fund will be 100 percent focused on improving the stroke continuum from hospital to home.

When National Stroke Association was first organized in 1984, the founders were motivated by an urgent desire to inform a vulnerable public that stroke incidence could be reduced through prevention measures. Central to that mission was the advancement of medical research and professional training. In the 29 years since its inception, National Stroke Association has provided dozens of research fellowships for pioneers who are today’s leading experts in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.

Access to cutting-edge diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation technology can make all the difference in bringing stroke survivors back to the lives they knew. The George Davis Sr. Legacy Fund can play a key role in improving the lives of survivors by funding research that leads to breakthrough technologies. By combining National Stroke Association’s expert medical advisors with the Legacy Fund’s monetary resources, we can target outstanding programs in rehabilitation.

It is my hope that through your support of the George Davis Sr. Legacy Fund, the return to a normal life for millions of stroke survivors does not have to be a dream, but a reality.

We cannot tell you how much your support means to our family and to all those touched by stroke—there are no words. What we can tell you with certainty is that your donation will have a positive and lasting impact.

Our deepest thanks,

Mary Graham Davis
Jim Baranski

P.S. As the Legacy Fund grows, National Stroke Association will inform you of its success,
fellowship award nominees and awardees, as well as outcomes of funded research projects in the years to come.