Craig Webre

Kelly Alig

The Babins

Anonymous

Kim Legg

Jillian Gordon

MacNeils

Cindi

Kathy Sue Pere

Ellen C

Dale

Christy Rogers

Chad, Mendy, & Gabby Chaisson

Mouse

Carla, Brady & Courtney Landry

Kim, Wayne, Hilary, & Mikey Vice

Erin O'Leary

Barbara Costigan

Anonymous

Laura Wiggs

Gary Ansdell

Karen Chapman and Karen Kunz

Diane G. Gaston

The Verret family

Hector O. Andrade

Glenn Fischer

The Chiasson family

The Tregre Family

Steve Ruskin

Elise Hanley

Kimberly Ward

Cindy Ivanhoe

Heather Horak

Mr. Donald Kestler

Adria & Aaron Bloom

Ariel

The McPike family

Ronald and Deanie Pere

Sue Ann Converse

Christina Hosmer

Peggy Bradberry

Hector O. Andrade

Ms. Rosemary Mazzo

Joe Mazzo

The Harris Family

Rob Armstrong Martin

John, Monique and family

rene pere

MOUSE

Too many people who I care about and love have lived with devastating effects of stroke. On May 12, 2012, we lost Cunningham to a massive stroke. To most he was known as "Mouse", and to my family, he was known as "Ham". I'm running this marathon to honor the person he was, the service he provided throughout his life to his community, his memory, and all that he stood for. He was a longtime member of the Lockport Volunteer Fire Department, and was a retired deputy with the Lafourche parish police department. I am also running this race in honor of Peggy "Peppie", my godmother, who for almost 7 years, cared for him following the debiliting effects of his first stroke. She is my biggest hero. She recently reminded me, that on the day of the marathon, November 4, 2012, will mark the 7 year anniversary of Mouse's first stroke.
I've seen firsthand the effects of stroke on other members of my own family, both alive and deceased. In addition to the loss of independence a loved one goes through, caring for a stroke survivor can be an extreme burden if unprepared. Seeing a loved one lose ability to perform their basic wants and needs can be a difficult transition for many. And it was for me.
So, I'm running for both Mouse and Peggy, better known to me as Ham and Peppie. I'm also running for each and every patient who I've had the privilege of working with and continue to learn from.

WHY THE NATIONAL STROKE ASSOCIATION (NSA)

So why support the National Stroke Association? I'll give you a few reasons:
1-Many strokes can be prevented. And the NSA supports raising public awareness on identifying risks, and ways to reduce the risks associated with stroke.
2-Early treatment can minimize the devastating effects of stroke. The NSA works at promoting and educating on signs and symptoms of stroke onset.
3-Effective rehabilitation strategies for stroke and brain recovery are constantly being investigated. What was considered standard and effective rehab for stroke survivors 10 and 15 years ago is now being seriously reconsidered. The NSA directly supports these research efforts.
Stroke recovery is not hopeless, but it can be complicated. And for me, this run isn't about giving false hope. It's about helping to expand awareness, to minimize risks, and to maximize any stroke survivors access and resources for the best recovery possible.