I am fundraising for my husband, Kenny Dusseau, who suffered a stroke in June 2012.  He woke up that morning ready to tackle the day and he had planned a run with our son, Noah. About a mile into the run he lost his balance, fell to the ground and became confused. He thought it was the heat getting to him and maybe he was dehydrated so he got back up to keep running. Noah could hear his speech slurring and Kenny began walking in circles. Noah was scared and suggested they go back home. It took them a while and when I noticed them walking in the distance, I could tell right away something wasn't right. I ran to them and noticed Kenny had all the signs of a stroke.  His face was drooping, his speech was slurring and he didn't have control over his entire right side of his body.  I couldn't believe it was happening because he was healthy and so young, 38 years old! We got him in the house and we tried to convince ourselves it wasn't a stroke, but he kept getting worse. When I got him to our local ER he was air lifted to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. I don't think he would have made it back from his run safely if it weren't for Noah. 

Kenny was diagnosed with a patent-foramen ovale (PFO), a birth defect that is characterized by a hole in the wall that separates the top two chambers of the heart. Doctors determined that Kenny's hole caused a clot to form, which traveled from his heart into his brain, leading to a stroke. Oftentimes, there are no signs and symptoms of a PFO, but it is possible that it may be detected on an electrocardiogram. 

Many people have the misunderstanding that strokes don’t affect the young and healthy. However, each year, 10 to 15 percent of people in the United States who have a stroke are between ages 18 and 45. Moreover, over the past decades, stroke rates and hospitalizations for strokes have increased by more than 40 percent among younger adults.

Kenny went through many emotions during his recovery. What is most devastating is that your life changes instantly and many people do not fully recover.  Kenny was determined to work hard in therapy to get back his speech and motor skills. We are grateful for the support  from friends and family we received during his recovery. Their support helped him get back into physical shape and regain his love for running. 

Now I want to give back. I am raising money for The Stroke Association while doing something I love to do, running marathons! Every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about The Stroke Association: When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, we can rebuild even more lives.