Melena Birtles

I’m taking on the challenge of Stride4Stroke and raising funds for Stroke Foundation!

Hi there, I'm taking on the challenge of Stride4Stroke and raising funds for Stroke Foundation to help prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery.

My Dad had his first stroke in 2020 and recovered reasonably well. He had a second stroke in late 2022, which led to vascular dementia and aphasia. Alas, he did not recover this time, passing 10 months later in 2023. I am doing this fundraiser to help raise awareness of the signs of stroke, prevention and living with the effects of a stroke. 

In the next 19 minutes, someone, somewhere in Australia is going to have a stroke for the first time.

Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and doesn't discriminate; it affects anyone, anytime, even unborn babies. It claims more lives than breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. And incredibly, around 600 Australian children experience stroke each year.

By supporting me, you'll be helping to sustain vital programs and resources that Stroke Foundation provides, including:

Preventing Stroke:

• StrokeSafe Talks
• Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check
• Information Resources

Saving Lives:

• F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) Signs of Stroke Awareness
• Living Guidelines for Stroke Management
• InformMe Website for Health Professionals

Enhancing Recovery:

• StrokeLine
• My Stroke Journey
• EnableMe Website for Survivors of Stroke

Your support goes beyond just a donation; it's a lifeline for individuals at risk of stroke and survivors of stroke.

Thank you for supporting me. Together we can change the state of stroke in Australia for generations to come.