Father-Son Duo Honored for Stroke Awareness Efforts at 'Strike out Stroke' Night

Photo by(WNDU)

In a heartwarming display of awareness and heroism, a father-son duo was honored at the annual "Strike out Stroke" event held at Four Winds Field in South Bend. Luis Fraga and his son, Tómas Aguilar Fraga, shared their poignant story of how Tómas saved his father's life, underscoring the critical importance of recognizing the signs of a stroke.

Organized by Beacon Health during Stroke Awareness Month, the event aimed to educate the public about the sudden and potentially devastating effects of strokes. Each year, Beacon selects a stroke survivor or their family to participate in the ceremonial first pitch, symbolizing resilience and the power of knowledge in combating strokes.

For Tómas Fraga, last year's event proved to be more than just a night at the ballpark. It was an opportunity to learn about the warning signs of strokes, knowledge that would later prove instrumental in saving his father's life. Recalling his father's symptoms months later, Tómas swiftly recognized the signs and took immediate action, remembering the acronym FAST—facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time to call 911.

Dr. Jose Lopez, director of Beacon's stroke team, emphasized the critical role of time in stroke treatment, highlighting the importance of swift intervention to minimize brain damage. With only a narrow window of opportunity to administer life-saving medication, every moment counts in mitigating the impact of strokes.

In recognition of his quick thinking and decisive action, Tómas Fraga had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at this year's event. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to raise awareness and empower others to recognize the signs of strokes.

As Beacon Health continues to emphasize the importance of community education and awareness initiatives, events like "Strike out Stroke" serve as vital platforms for disseminating life-saving information. By sharing their family's journey, the Fragas hope to inspire others to learn the signs of strokes and potentially save lives in their communities.

In a world where strokes can strike suddenly and without warning, knowledge truly is power. As Tómas Fraga aptly stated, understanding the BE-FAST acronym can be a significant gift to one's community and the people we hold dear.