Ned Hall, a stroke survivor and resident of Westwood, will be running the 2016 Falmouth Road Race on Tedy’s Team, led by former New England Patriots linebacker and stroke survivor, Tedy Bruschi. Next month’s race will be the first of three different races that Hall will be running with the team over the next nine months.
It started off like any other morning; Hall was making breakfast with his son on Presidents’ Day 2013, when he suddenly felt lightheaded and dizzy. He left the room to sit down, but when his wife saw him and asked what he was doing, Hall’s response was jumbled. Moments later, his left hand went numb and he developed a headache. Hall’s symptoms quickly went away and he went sledding in the backyard with his kids later that afternoon, before calling his doctor.
After weeks of doctor’s appointments and having multiple tests done, Hall was told that he had suffered two strokes, but they weren’t sure what had caused them. Another few weeks of appointments and tests went by before he learned that the strokes were caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO) – a hole in his heart.
“I am extremely fortunate and lucky,” said Hall. “It’s miraculous that just four hours after having two strokes, I was sledding with my children.”
On February 15, 2005, just weeks after winning his third Super Bowl and days after playing in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, Tedy suffered a stroke at the age of 31. As he recovered, Tedy and his wife, Heidi, dedicated themselves to raising awareness of stroke and being advocates and inspiration for stroke survivors throughout Massachusetts, New England and all over the country.
Since its inception in 2005, Tedy’s Team has raised over $4.5 million for stroke research and educational programs with the support and dedication of more than 1,100 participants. In addition to raising funds, Tedy’s Team continues to raise awareness of stroke and its warning signs and symptoms.
“It’s essential that a stroke is diagnosed as soon as possible to increase the odds of a positive outcome,” Hall explained. “Through Tedy’s Team, I hope to raise more awareness about stroke and its symptoms so that more people can get the help they need quickly.”
On Sunday, August 21, Hall will be running his first of three difference races between now and next April. Hall and his 24 teammates will be motivated by their stroke heroes when they hit the pavement for the Falmouth Road Race. They will celebrate the passion and inspiration of Tedy’s Team, honoring both survivors and the loved ones lost to the regions No. 5 leading cause of death.
Know the Warning Signs of Stroke:
Stroke is a medical emergency. Know the warning signs of stroke and teach them to others.
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms. Every second counts!
The runners are taking a critical step toward raising awareness of stroke and its warning signs, as well as much needed funds for local research and educational programs. To support Ned’s fundraising efforts, visit http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/nlhall.