Macon, Ga. (May 22, 2024) – Twenty stroke survivors participated in Piedmont Macon Medical Center’s recent “Stroke Stroll,” which celebrates the perseverance of patients who have suffered a stroke.

The survivors, some using walkers or wheelchairs, made a victory lap around the hospital’s cafeteria while dozens of Piedmont employees clapped and cheered them on during the May 16 event. Up-tempo music including “Boogie Shoes” by K.C. and the Sunshine Band and “Roar” by Katy Perry played while the survivors took their stroll.

“We hope that people who were there saw the stroke survivors striving to be empowered and celebrating what they’ve overcome,” said Monica Cook, stroke program manager at Piedmont Macon Medical and Piedmont Macon North Hospital.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the country, taking a life every three minutes and 14 seconds. They happen when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.

Cook said the 2024 “Stroke Stroll” was a success, more than doubling from last year the number of survivors taking part in it.

“It was heartwarming to see survivors and caregivers showing up at Piedmont Macon, and the turnout was encouraging,” Cook said. “It was nice seeing hospital staff members reconnect with their patients who they took care of during a time in their life when they were the most vulnerable.”

Immediately after the stroll, stroke survivors, their family members and caregivers met for the monthly “Strive from Stroke” support group meeting at the hospital. The group meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the cafeteria on the third Thursday of each month. It allows open dialogue among survivors and features education, awareness, guest speakers and activities.