Annually, 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke. Of these, 5 million die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled, placing a burden on family and community. It is currently the number 5 cause of death, and number 1 cause of long-term disability. 

It is time for us to take ahold of stroke in our world, as 80% of strokes are preventable. 

Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke, and 1 out of every 4 that have a stroke die. Are you next? I never imagined that at the age of 30 I would be. After completely losing the ability to speak, move, read, and write- a stroke took my life away. If only I had known the signs and symptoms earlier my long-term disability could have been avoided. The key to surviving a stroke and decreasing disability is FAST action. An easy way to remember signs and symptoms of a stroke is to remember the F.A.S.T acronym. 

F- Is the person's face drooping?
A- Is the person able to hold both arms out in front of them without drooping?
S- Is the persons speech slurring? Saying words that do not make sense?
T- If ANY of the above are true, it is time to call 911 OR you emergency service. 

Signing this pledge is signifying that you are aware of the life-saving acronym and are committing to act FAST whenever you see these symptoms. Do not wait, do not hesitate. Over a billion neurons are dying per minute during a stroke. Time is brain. Share this pledge with at least 2 people you love today.