Last August, NBA All-Star Paul George suffered a compound fracture of his right leg. Although this horrific injury caused him to miss several games, George refused to allow it to keep him on the sidelines.
This dedication in the midst of adversity is a trait George developed as a child.
When George was only 6-years-old, his mother Paulette suffered a stroke that left her practically bedridden for two years.
“I remember every moment of it,” said the Indiana Pacers swingman. “I was always there at hospital visits, right by her bed. When she got a hospital bed in our home, I would lay in my bed next to her.”
George and his mother grew stronger and closer as a result of this experience.
To help others avoid complications associated with a stroke, the pair has teamed up with the American Stroke Association and the Ad Council on a series of PSAs that teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. for stroke: If you see (F)ace drooping, (A)rm weakness or (S)peech difficulty, it’s (T)ime to call 9-1-1.
“I want to make sure that everyone knows the warning signs for a stroke so they can quickly take action and give their loved ones the best chance for recovery,” said George. “A stroke often comes out of nowhere and that’s why knowing the warning signs is so important.”
An American suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and treatment options are limited when people don’t recognize a stroke and get to the appropriate hospital in time.
“Learning the F.A.S.T. acronym is easy to do and may save a life,” said George. “I’m thrilled to teach people the signs of a stroke so more families like mine can have memories together.”
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Frederick J. Goodall is the Editor-in-Chief of Mocha Man Style, media spokesperson, event host, photographer, and a top social media influencer in Houston, TX. He likes to write about fashion, cars, travel, and health.