Published: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 12:01 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 4:24 a.m.
WINTER HAVEN | Naomi Willey said she knows how vital it is to teach people how to recognize and prevent strokes.
Coming up on the fourth anniversary of a massive stroke that left her hospitalized for more than six weeks, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation period, she said Wednesday people don't pay enough attention to stroke symptoms.
"A stroke can happen to anybody, any age or socio-economic status," she said. "When you have a stroke, you are just not prepared at all. I am a former athlete and the last person I thought would have a stroke."
About 20 stroke survivors and caregivers will be walking at 9 a.m. Friday in Winter Haven's Central Park to raise awareness of stroke prevention and treatment.
Members of Winter Haven Hospital's Stroke Support Group also are raising money to send to the National Stroke Foundation.
Willey is supporting her fellow walkers when they meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Central Park fountain to hand out information on stroke and stroke prevention.
"Strokes impact a gazillion people every day and there's not that much information available," she said. "If you have stroke symptoms, don't ignore them. People don't pay enough attention. Don't think you have the flu or something."
Willey credits Mandy Cilliers, an occupational therapist with Winter Haven Hospital's Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, for her nearly complete recovery. She said Cilliers was such a positive influence on her mentally as she went through rehabilitation.
Cilliers said the money raised will support the foundation, which is the national clearinghouse for stroke research and treatment.
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Local Fundraiser to be Held for National Stroke Foundation