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  • David Dansereau 3:54 pm on March 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Boston Marathon 2010 Fundraiser, , donate to the American Stroke Association, , , , Tedy's Team   

    To help me continue to Raise Stroke Awareness YOU need to step up too! 

    You are not running, why should I donate?

    If you have considered that it would still be the right thing to do but then clicked away, I’m here on video to remind you of why your donation to the American Stroke Association is important.  If you have donated to my fundraising and stroke awareness efforts in past, I sincerely thank you again.  I look forward to your continued support.  I appreciate every penny that comes in, especially in a difficult economy. You can help make a difference.  Every donation counts.  I hope you have been helped by my blog at know-stroke.org, and now is the time for you to step up.  It has been my intent from the start that through putting my story out there I might further educate others about their own condition.  In doing so I have been blessed to get to know many of you personally over the phone and many have expressed thanks and stated they will become more informed  in their local community to spread awareness.   That is terrific!  If you play my video you’ll see why (more than ever this year) I’ll need your help.  That’s right, if you’ve already played the video, you know a knee injury has forced me out of the Boston Marathon this year.  Even so, I can  run the marathon in spirit with my sister and continue to move forward with my national stroke awareness campaign.

    Please play the video and read my attached campaign summary and stroke awareness update I have prepared here>  knowstrokedotorgprogressreport . I’ve also included a print version of my fundraising request form if you would prefer to mail in a donation here> 2010BostonMarathonPrintDonationForm.

    You can also donate right now through our secure online donation link.  Donations to the American Stroke association are tax deductible.  You’ll see when you click the link, my wife and I have started off the donations  by showing our support for my sister Lori through a $150 dollar donation (or $50 each) to honor each of our three children.

    Please help me continue to reach my stroke awareness goals and help my sister cross the finish line in Boston 2010

    Click Here> DONATE NOW!

    Corporate Donors can Cross the Boston Marathon finish line too!

    In my next post later in the week I’ll update you on how  top corporate or individual donors can get their logo or brand visible and cross the finish line with my sister.  So, stay tuned and THANK YOU!

    Best Regards,

    David Dansereau

    Know-Stroke.org

     

  • David Dansereau 9:10 pm on February 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Oprah and David Dansereau, , , , Tedy Bruschi and David Dansereau, Tedy's Team   

    Does Barry Meier know Oprah? 

    If you are a regular reader of my blog you already know I have been doing a great deal of writing on stroke awareness and PFO education.  I gladly accept interviews when asked to talk more about this issue, especially when it can help further the discussion about stroke, migraine and the possibility of PFO closure.   While I have been making consistent progress in gaining national awareness I have not yet reached my goal  (Oprah Challenge) of speaking with Oprah.  For example, I was interviewed recently for the NY Times by Barry Meier (Wed. January 14,2009) and my mug even appeared on the Cover of the Business Daily section

    Don’t believe me? here’s the link to the previous NY Times article  blog post

    Why I am grateful, it is not enough:

    Barry Meier’s NY Times article focused on the business end of the PFO/Stroke/FDA debate, but he did not cover the other side, the human side.  Upon Mr. Meier’s request I had provided details of my own stroke journey which lead up to PFO closure, as well as other stroke survivors who gave me permission to share their contact info with Mr. Meier because they wanted to let others know about their experiences, again the human side.  If you are one of these survivors, or want to imagine having to consider making a decision to close a PFO-please take the poll at the bottom of this post.  I’d like to show more of the human side of perhaps why as Mr. Meier pointed out in his article “it has been difficult to find enough untreated patients to mount a study to prove their effectiveness and safety.”  After speaking with many, many stroke survivors that have a confirmed PFO it is my consensus that they don’t want to wait around for another stroke to see if they can “opt in” for PFO closure.  They want the hole fixed ASAP!

    Here’s where you can help and where Mr. Meier’s article already may have provided a timely boost:

    I continue to need your help to complete this journey. For example, I’ve sent articles to Dr. Oz (a cardiologist often seen on Oprah), contacted Oprah.com many,many times, and made my intentions known to Tedy’s Team, Tedy Bruschi and his wife, and the American Stroke Association (Boston and RI affiliates)- I still need your help. Sidebar:[ By the way, several good things followed from the NY Times Story:  Other writers contacted me (topic for future post)and are considering stories, as well as the countless health bloggers that picked up the story worldwide and posted it internationally.

    Just one example....

    Here's how one reader already helped without knowing it:

    A reader from the "early days" of my blog who shared his story and frustrations with the medical delays and uncertainty he had experienced recently contacted me again. He originally read my story and my Oprah Challenge.  He shared his frustrations with knowing he had a PFO and having to elect for medical management of his PFO or perhaps enroll in a clinical trial  and either receive a septal occluder for PFO closure or receive a possible "sham" procedure as part of the study.  (By the way, If you would have interviewed him Mr. Meier you would have known why the enrollment numbers in clinical trials are low...)  Anyway, this reader recognized my name in the NY Times article, and instantly "morphed" me on to the Oprah show.

    A reader from my blog noticed me in the NY Times and sent me this "touched up" photo to help me visualize my goals.

    What can you do?

    Please take a moment to post your own comments or ideas at this link.

    While this page has a "fun" tone I hope you know I am serious with my stroke awareness plan and hope you can help me follow through with my plan.  After all, the Oprah log worked for Dave Letterman.

    With enough brains and motivation I believe anything is possible... Thank You Barry for giving this story your attention.  By the way, do you know Oprah?

    Summary of My Reaffirmed Goals:

    My Goal: I have been working at trying to get through to Oprah and Dr. Oz to suggest a show about migraines,stroke and the heart connection and ideally developing a show for May 2008 or 2009 (May is Nat'l Stroke Awareness Month). Additionally, I have been working to try to get Tedy's Team, and Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots to speak nationally (to Oprah) about his stroke and his new book Never Give Up.

    Click here for my Tedy's Team Donation Page to learn more
    Read my Stroke Story

    I appreciate any and all comments, leads, ideas you would be willing to provide here:

    http://www.my-nutrition-coach.com/do-you-know-oprah.html

    Take this PFO Closure Poll

    When you are done with the poll, share your suggestions directly with Oprah.com and be sure to link back to this blog post to include all the details and my “WHY”

    Could you take a moment to write in to Oprah.com for me? Here’s the link

     

  • David Dansereau 1:55 am on October 29, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: PT stroke coach, , stroke therapy, Tedy's Team   

    Recruit the right Physical Therapist as Your Stroke Coach 


    The multidimensional impact of a stroke requires physical therapists to be flexible and versatile with their treatment approaches, yet they should also be strong in communicating the reality of the training that will be required of their stroke patients.

    Image Preview

    I tell my stroke patients that they must think of their rehab as preparing for the Olympics. Just as an athlete would use an expert coach to design and oversee an appropriate training protocol, the stroke survivor should team up with a PT that has developed an arsenal of therapy skill sets. The therapist also should have a working knowledge of the new research in training intensity and frequency as it relates to neuroplasticity. The PT should also be up to date on new EMG, FES and combined biofeedback and gaming technologies to maximize their patients home training program and to help provide enough stimulus and volume of work required to rewire the brain.

    “Performing 2 sets of 10 reps once per day is not going to get you to the Olympics and it certainly is not going to prepare you for your return to the best possible outcome post stroke!”

    David Dansereau, Stroke Survivor and Physical Therapist

    Stroke researchers now know that the brain has a much greater capacity for change in response to imposed demands than earlier believed. This capacity for change is known as neuroplasticity. A good PT coach should understand that to induce neuroplastic changes and reorganize the brain post stroke they must intervene with intense, task-specific repetitions that require a challenge in rehabilitation much to the same level as an Olympian in training for a gold medal performance. Effective rehabilitation therefore involves constant practice and repetition to perfect post stroke performance, and the stroke survivor must understand the workout plan designed by their PT and be consistent with their home exercise regimen to maximize their return.

    I am still researching for a follow-up on several new technologies available to stroke survivors and therapists for an upcoming post. A recent conversation I had with a stroke survivor at a Tedy’s Team meeting got me thinking of this topic of the way PT’s should coach their stroke patients. I wanted to comment here on why it is so important for stroke survivors to rethink the way they approach their rehabilitation.

    I certainly hope your physical therapist has already conveyed this vital message to you. If not, you might want to start recruiting a new PT as your stroke coach!

     

    • Leo Willcocks 9:59 am on October 29, 2008 Permalink | Reply

      Hi,
      What techniques do you use to increase neuroplasticity? How do you incorporate these into physical therapy?
      Thanks,
      Leo Willcocks
      http://www.stroke-advice.com

    • Dean Reinke 5:15 pm on May 15, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      As a survivor of a massive ischemic stroke I know that neuroplasticity is working for me. But the main problem I see is that I have a large dead area that needs to move control to another area. The neuroplasticity that has already occurred for me is probably from the penumbra of the stroke. What has been proven in getting the start of motor control moved to another location? Once started I can use the usual methods to make it work better.
      Dean

  • David Dansereau 1:24 am on July 31, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , stroke donations, Tedy's Team   

    About Donations to Tedy’s Team 

    Tedys-Team-Donations

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (Source: American Stroke Association/a division of the American Heart Association)

    HDTV interview

    Here’s a few commonly asked questions and the answers are provided by the American Stroke Association.

    Please review these FAQ’s when considering tedys-team-donations

    Where does the money go?
    Funds raised through Tedys-Team are used locally for research, advocacy, and education programs of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. Through research we’re gaining new knowledge to better understand, treat, and prevent stroke. Through advocacy we’re supporting legislation that will improve emergency services for stroke victims. Through professional education programs such as the Acute Stroke Treatment Program, Operation Stroke, and Get With the Guidelines, the American Stroke Association is improving emergency services, treatment, and care for stroke victims. All of these efforts support the fight against stroke, our nation’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of disability.

    What is the cost of fundraising?
    Seventy-nine percent is used to fund stroke research, advocacy, and education programs. The remaining 21 percent covers expenses.

    Is my donation tax deductible?
    Funds donated to the American Stroke Association through the Train To End Stroke program are tax deductible in that no goods or services were received in exchange for the donation. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding your tax deductions. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The federal tax ID is 13-5613797.

    Will I get a receipt for my contribution?
    The IRS recognizes a cancelled check or credit card statement as proof of any donation under $250. For any offline donation of $250 or more, the American Stroke Association will send you an official receipt.  If you give online, your confirmation page and e-mail confirmation serve as your tax receipt.

    Will my employer match my contribution?
    Many companies will match employees’ charitable contributions. Be sure to ask your company’s Human Resources department to find out if your company has such a policy. You can also click here to search online. Corporate Matching Gifts can dramatically increase the value of your donation.

    How can I donate by mail?
    To donate by mail, just send your donation to the friend/family member you’re supporting. You can provide your check or money order (made payable to American Stroke Association), or credit card number as payment Your friend/family member will make sure your donation is processed.

    What happens to my donation if the person I’m sponsoring drops out of the training program?
    Contributions are processed immediately upon receipt by the American Stroke Association. If injury or other unforeseen circumstances prevent the Train To End Stroke participant from completing the training program, your tedys-team-donation will still be used to support the fight against stroke. No refunds will be issued.

    What is a Matching Gift?
    Some corporations will match the charitable gifts of their employees.  To find out if your company matches charitable gifts,  click here to search.

    For more information about the American Stroke Association, please visit http://www.strokeassociation.org.

    Donate Online

     

  • David Dansereau 8:39 pm on July 28, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Tedy's Team   

    Prov. Journal picked up my story 

    I learned from the American Stroke Association, Boston Affiliate that the The Providence Journal ran my story in yesterday’s Sunday paper.  I did not see the actual article, but here’s the link they sent me from the print. Below is the link – check it out>

    http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_Blogs/running/2008/07/stroke-survivor.html

    Not Oprah yet, but perhaps this will help gain some more momentum:)

     

  • David Dansereau 2:26 pm on August 8, 2007 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , MGH, , , , Tedy's Team   

    Tedy’s Team and the Falmouth Road Race 

    8 August 2007

    To the editor of The Valley Breeze (Cumberland,RI);

    I am not sure where, how, or even if you might be able to use these thoughts but I feel it is important that I share my story to help educate others and raise awareness about stroke. If you could place this in your paper as a PSA, editorial, or perhaps a follow-up story I would greatly appreciate your voice and be open to speaking with you more on this topic. Again, whichever angle you feel would work best I would be very grateful and would be more than willing to cooperate to help raise awareness. In any event, thank you in advance for considering this request.

    _______________________________________________________________________________

    Here’s my story:

    Raise Awareness: Never Give Up

    You might remember Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots suffered a stroke in February 2005. I recall during this time there were many assumptions and speculation in the media on just what happened to Tedy, but at the time just like many of us I never really understood what could have caused his stroke at such a young age.

    In the Fall of 2006 that all changed for me when I had a stroke from the same cause, a hole in my heart that did not close completely at birth. In my case this heart defect went undetected until it caused my stroke at age 39. Now I can say without hesitation I know more about this condition than I ever really wanted to, but the reality is there is still so much more we need to learn. As evidence, in my personal case, it took the best physicians in the state months to finally figure out what had caused my stroke and then more uncertainty followed on what to do to best correct “my defect”. This uncertainty is where I hope to make a difference in raising awareness.

    I am fortunate to have joined Tedy’s Team in my own efforts to raise stroke awareness. After his recovery, Tedy and his wife Heidi committed themselves to being advocates for stroke awareness. Tedy’s dedication and return to the NFL served as a great inspiration to me during my own recovery. After just finishing reading his new book Never Give Up (yes, the same title for which I borrowed with good intentions for the title of this article) I realize just how many other stroke survivors also drew inspiration from him.

    Whether you are a stroke survivor, cancer survivor, fighting any physical illness or simply are going through some adversity in your own life, this book is a must read. This book was released last Friday and if you were previously unaware of Tedy’s story there are a lot of reasons to look up this book. The other part to the story where you learn what a stroke survivor goes through emotionally was priceless for me. You see, I ended up having the same doctors in Boston repair the hole in my heart in May and I am currently going through virtually the same process Tedy describes in his book, physically and emotionally.

    Tedy describes there are two faces of stroke, young and old. I think there is also a third face and it is the face of the real stroke heroes, the person(s) you lean on for support when you are going through this process-the caregivers and love ones who step up and keep you strong. For example, the real stroke hero in my case is my wife, Lisa. I hope now to pass that inspiration on and become a stroke hero by helping others, particularly the young face of stroke, by raising awareness about all stroke risk factors, especially the connection between the heart and brain where much more research and education is necessary.

    Through my new partnership with Tedy’s Team and the American Stroke Association, I have dedicated myself to become an effective local advocate, spokesperson and stroke educator and I hope you will do your part by passing this article along too and becoming empowered to learn more. I have chosen to launch my personal awareness campaign and take on this new challenge by joining Tedy’s Team in the Falmouth,MA Road Race on Cape Cod on August 12th. While the race will have over 10,000 runners and features some of the world’s elite runners, my goal is simply to complete the event and regardless of my time, it will mean to me I’ve completed my recovery and it is now time in return and help others.


    I thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you would like to learn more about stroke or simply want to see how you can help, I’ve provided a link to my Tedy’s Team / American Stroke Association campaign website through these links:

    Tedy’s Team Donation Page

    I’ve also provided the internet link to my ezine article to learn more about how a PFO caused my stroke at:

    http://www.my-physical-therapy-coach.com/patent-foramen-ovale.html

    Thanks again-

    David Dansereau

    Stroke Survivor

    PS- Do you have other fundraising ideas or ways you’d like to help? Want me to speak to your group about this topic? Please call me (401) 632-0868. I need YOUR help to raise awareness and fight stroke.

     

     

  • David Dansereau 10:31 pm on July 15, 2007 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , stroke cure, Tedy's Team   

    Tedy’s Team Fundraiser / Falmouth Road Race 

    July 2007

    To My Friends and Family;

    I hope this letter finds you happy and healthy. I am writing to each of you because I have taken on an exciting challenge and I need your help. As you may already be aware, I have become involved with Tedy’s Team and the American Stroke Association.

    You might remember Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots suffered a stroke in February 2005. I recall during this time there were lots of assumptions and speculation in the media on just what happened to Tedy, but at the time just like many of us I never really understood what could have caused his stroke at such a young age.

    In the Fall of 2006 that all changed when I had a stroke from the same cause, a hole in my heart that did not close completely at birth. In my case this heart defect went undetected until it caused my stroke at age 39. Now I can say without hesitation I know more about this condition than I ever thought possible, but the reality is there is still so much more we need to learn. As evidence, if you receive my ezine newsletter online you already know how long it took the best physicians in the state to figure out what had caused my stroke -and that is where I hope to make a difference in raising awareness. (I’ve provided the internet link to my ezine article at the bottom of this letter and I encourage you to learn more by reading my detailed story online.)

    I am fortunate to have joined Tedy’s Team in my own efforts to raise awareness. After his recovery, Tedy and his wife Heidi committed themselves to being advocates for stroke awareness. Tedy’s dedication and return to the NFL served as a great inspiration to me during my own recovery. Through this new partnership I have dedicated myself to become an effective local advocate, spokesperson and stroke educator in our area. I have chosen to launch my awareness campaign and take on this new challenge by joining Tedy’s Team in the Falmouth Road Race on Cape Cod in August. While the race will have over 10,000 runners and features some of the world’s elite runners, my goal is simply to complete the event and regardless of my time, it will mean to me I’ve completed my recovery and it is now time to help others.

    By now I am sure you’ve been waiting for the part where I ask for your help. I realize many of you may be on a budget…and this probably was not on it! It isn’t easy asking for money, but every dollar I raise through Tedy’s Team and the American Stroke Association will help further stroke research and much needed education.

    Due to the amount of my commitment and the personal goals I have set, I can use your help no matter what the amount. Any gift will be greatly appreciated. If you can not donate at this time I can still use your help right now. Simply passing this note along to a friend or copying it and posting at your workplace would be a great start in raising awareness. If you can donate now please also make your employer aware and ask if they would consider a matching gift donation. All contributions are tax-deductible.

    I thank you in advance for your support in this challenge. To make a donation, please simply include it in the enclosed postage paid envelope and send it back to me. Or, you may visit my personal website at http://www.know-stroke.org to donate online to my fundraising campaign through the secure Tedy’s Team / American Stroke Association link.

    Thanks again-

    David Dansereau

    PS- Do you have other fundraising ideas or ways you’d like to help? Want me to speak to your group about this topic? Please call me (401) 632-0868. For more information, the link for my ezine article is at: http://www.my-physical-therapy-coach.com/patent-foramen-ovale.html

    Be sure to see my special Thank You offer included with this mailer for all donors who help me to reach my initial September donation goal.

     

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