SEATTLE — Linebacker Bobby Wagner lost his mom to complications of a stroke, so he’s committed to helping provide stroke education and funds. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Wagner and the Seahawks teamed up with Hero Projects, an expert in comic book development, to create a graphic novel for kids, called FAST54, to learn the signs of stroke and raise funds to help stroke patients.
“It’s been so exciting to partner with Bobby on this project,” said Dr. Roby Ryan, neurosurgeon, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. “FAST is an acronym, and it’s used as a screening tool by everyone from medical professionals to everyone in the community.”
FAST stands for:
F – Facial drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulties
T – Time to call
Dr. Ryan says it’s important to recognize stroke signs early because cutting-edge technology is helping patients make fuller recoveries when strokes are treated promptly.
Michael Martinez is a stroke survivor who considers the doctors and nurses who treated him heroes. Wagner invited him and his son to a Seahawks game on World Stroke Day.
“He loves this comic book,” Martinez said of his son. “He loves reading. And I think from that, he was able to have more awareness of a stroke.”
The Phenia Mae Fund, in honor of Wagner’s mom, provides stroke education and resources to people to help prevent strokes, especially after they’ve already had one. Controlling risk factors, like stopping smoking, checking cholesterol and blood sugars and managing blood pressure, is key to preventing stroke.
“The fund is really working to help get blood pressure monitors to people who might not otherwise get access to them,” Dr. Ryan said. “That way, you can check your blood pressure and work with your healthcare team to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.”
Donations of $108 or more in support of the Phenia Mae Fund will receive a signed copy of Bobby Wagner’s graphic novel, FAST54, Know the Signs of Stroke. Learn more and donate on the Virginia Mason website.
Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.