As Lee Terry worked long hours during the final weeks of his son’s successful re-election bid, he suddenly found himself waging a different kind of campaign.
On Sept. 27, 2002, the former television newscaster and Douglas County election commissioner joined about 700,000 Americans who suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. And, like many other stroke victims, he ignored his warning signs – extreme fatigue, sudden dizziness, a sharp pain behind his left eye. It was his wife, Jan, who convinced him to seek medical attention after she found him taking an uncharacteristic nap.
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Raising awareness
Since September, Terry has made great strides in his recovery. He is now on a mission to bring more public awareness to stroke – its warning signs and the importance of seeking immediate emergency medical attention – during May, which is Stroke Awareness Month.
On May 3, Terry and his son, Rep. Lee Terry will join “Team Survivor” at the Omaha-Metro American Heart Walk at Chalco Hills Recreation Area, 154th Street and Giles Road. Terry is asking that other heart disease and stroke survivors join him.
Survivors to receive red caps
Team Survivor, now in its second year, includes survivors of heart disease and stroke and their friends and family. In addition to the walk, there will be other activities to enjoy. Walking is optional.
“We want to honor the survivors for their courage and tenacity,” said Nate Dodge, vice president of NP Dodge Co., and chairperson for this year’s event.
About 2,000 people, including 200 survivors, are expected to participate in the ninth annual walk. The event’s goal is to raise $380,000 for the American Heart Association.
Survivors at the walk will receive red caps, provided by UNMC and University Medical Associates (UMA), to wear at the walk. In addition, UNMC and UMA will hold a Red Cap Survivor Reception for survivors and their families at a Survivor Tent from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Heart walk, Mayor’s Mile
The main walk will begin at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies starting at 9:25 a.m. Omahan Julie Kurtz will offer her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner during the ceremonies. Tony Wike, co-host of Mix 96.1’s Mix Morning Show and a heart disease survivor, will emcee. Mix 96.1 is the walk’s official radio media sponsor.
Prior to the main walk, there will be a 9 a.m. Mayor’s Mile, sponsored by Children’s Hospital. During the Mayor’s Mile, area mayors walk with children survivors from their respective communities.
For more information
Teams throughout UNMC/NHS are organizing events and preparing to participate in the fund-raising event. For more information or to participate as a team captain or a walker, contact any of the following UNMC team captains: Cindy Sutton, 559-8077; Luann Andersen, 559-7416; Joanne Johnson, 559-7232; Theresa Pikschus, 559-5697; or student Laura Millemon. For more information on Team Survivor or the Mayor’s Mile, call 346-0771.