Heart and Stroke Foundation goes door-to-door during June, Stroke Month

TORONTO, June 11 , 2015 /CNW/ - For the first time, Ontario residents can expect Heart and Stroke Foundation canvassers at the door, this June. After experiencing a long bitter winter which made it more difficult to canvass in February, the Heart and Stroke Foundation says it will be looking for new donations to support life-saving heart disease and stroke research and help create more survivors.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death of all Canadians, and a leading cause of disability. There are 62,000 strokes hospitalized in Canada each year – that is one stroke every nine minutes.

Dollars raised through this campaign are vital to helping the Foundation fund ground-breaking research. Just this year, the Heart and Stroke Foundation co-funded the ESCAPE trial, a new stroke treatment that was shown to cut in half the death rate from major ischemic strokes. This study used high-tech equipment and imaging to remove blood clots through the patient's blood vessels, restoring blood flow to the brain. The researchers found a 50 per cent reduction in the overall death rate among the patients who were treated with this new treatment.

"Everyone who gives at the door is furthering research excellence here in Ontario. Every door opened and dollar given helps us create more survivors. When you can say that with your support you've helped fund a ground-breaking stroke trial, like ESCAPE, that's pretty amazing." says Lori Gagnon, Manager Field Services, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ontario.

This June, the Foundation launched its Stroke Month Report which highlights a poll that shows not enough Canadians know the signs of stroke and seek help quickly enough. We're urging Canadians to learn the signs of stroke through our campaign and acronym: FAST. FAST stands for: Face – is it drooping? Arms – can you raise both? Speech - is it slurred or jumbled? And Time – to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away. This awareness campaign has already helped save the lives of many Canadians who, because of this campaign, recognized the signs of stroke and were able to act quickly.

For more information about Stroke Month or how to give in Ontario, visit heartandstroke.ca/help or call 1-888-473-4636.

About the Heart and Stroke Foundation
The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke, reducing their impact through initiatives to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery. Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen. heartandstroke.ca

SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario

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