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Mark Stern
Communications Strategy Group
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Comeback Trail Fun-Run/Walk series celebrates Atlanta stroke survivors
The National Stroke Association’s Comeback Trail arrives in Atlanta October 7.
Atlanta, Ga. – Singer-songwriter Angie Aparo, an Atlanta native and stroke survivor, will headline the National Stroke Association’s Comeback Trail 5K run/walk on Oct. 7 in the Historic Fourth Ward Park.
“As a stroke survivor, it’s important to me to raise awareness about stroke, which can happen to anyone at any time,” said Aparo. “It wasn’t always easy but I came back strong from stroke and have returned to my music career with a newfound appreciation for life. Music saved me and now I want to share my gift with others by playing a few songs at the National Stroke Association’s Comeback Trail 5K in my hometown.”
Registration for the Comeback Trail 5K opens at 8 a.m. Aparo will play during pre-event activities and tell his story and play a song during the 9 a.m. Opening Ceremonies.
To register online visit www.comebackstrong.org. Walk-ups are welcome to register on Oct. 7.
This is the first annual Atlanta Comeback Trail 5K, hosted by the National Stroke Association. Multiple events are scheduled around the country to advocate for and empower the 7 million Americans and their supporters who are dealing with the aftermath of a stroke. This uplifting 5K event series encourages anyone affected by stroke to Come Back Strong, helps raise awareness about this under reported disease, and send a message of hope.
The Atlanta Comeback Trail walk and fun-run features a scenic route along the Historic Fourth Ward Park that loops around the park and connects to the Eastside Beltline Trail. The event is open to participants of all abilities and features different paths to accommodate all fitness and age levels for the general public and stroke survivors. Participants will either have the option to complete a 5K course or choose a shorter route.
“The recovery journey that every stroke survivor goes through can be very personal and challenging,” said Robyn Moore, CEO of the National Stroke Association. “With these engaging 5K Comeback Trail events, we want each survivor to feel validated and empowered by their journey, while learning from the experiences of others.”
Comeback Trail registration fees are $25 and includes a free t-shirt; children under 5 are free. All fees and donations support the National Stroke Association, the only 30-year-old national association focused solely on reducing the incidence and impact of stroke by delivering education and programs for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for all impacted by stroke.
“I’ll put a team together, because I want to inspire people,” said Cindy Chenier, an Atlanta stroke survivor. “God saved me to inspire other people. That’s my calling—to help other people.”
The Comeback Trail 5K series is part of the Come Back Strong initiative, a national movement championed by the National Stroke Association. The movement signifies the journey of stroke recovery, hope, and survivorship. The movement is particularly relevant given the significant, but often overlooked, prevalence of stroke in the U.S.
“Many people in the U.S. believe they aren’t at risk for a stroke,” said Moore.
- About 800,000 people will have a stroke in the U.S. this year.
- African Americans experience almost twice the risk for first-time stroke as Caucasians.
- In the last decade, there has been a 44 percent spike in the number of Americans under the age of 45 hospitalized due to stroke.
- The majority of young Americans (73 percent) are not familiar with stroke symptoms and the need for urgent medical attention.
- Approximately 7 million stroke survivors live in the U.S. today, a number projected to increase to 10 million by 2030.
- Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke
Learn more about stroke prevention, recognition treatment, and recovery at stroke.org.
SPONSORED BY
Emory Healthcare
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW/STORY DEVELOPMENT
We can provide local stroke survivors, caregivers, and experts on stroke.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL STROKE ASSOCIATION
The National Stroke Association offers people Hope After Stroke, so survivors and their circle of care can begin their journey to Come Back Strong. Founded in 1984, the National Stroke Association is the only 30-year old national Association fully focused on reducing the incidence and impact of stroke by delivering education and programs for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for all impacted by stroke.
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