Annual Stroke Walk Shows Support for Survivors

The event is organized by Essentia's stroke program, with them saying it's important for patients to feel there are things to look forward to after an incident.

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – May is Stroke Awareness Month, and Essentia Health held its annual event to support stroke survivors.

This is the 4th year of Essentia’s stroke walk.

It was held this afternoon on the indoor track at Rustad Recreation Center in West Fargo.

The event was free for participants, and everyone was welcome to sign up, from stroke survivors regaining their mobility to friends and family who just wanted to walk in solidarity.

Event organizers say that a varied participant group is what makes the walk important.

“This is an important event to us because we want to show that there’s life after stroke,” explained Chelsey Kuznia, stroke program manager for Essentia.

“This is a great way to be active, to get family members involved, to get community involved, and to get our staff involved and show our support for our stroke patients.”

Essentia says strokes disproportionately affect people older than 55, but it can happen to anyone of any age.

In order to manage your risk factors, they recommend setting up an appointment with a primary care physician.