Neuro trauma nurse to run New York City Marathon in honor of her best friend and stroke hero

This November, Tori Tremelin will be checking off a bucket-list item when she takes on the TCS New York City Marathon as a member of Tedy’s Team. Tori is running her first race with the team in honor of her best friend, Becky, who is a stroke survivor.

On February 26^th of this year, Tori was at Summa Health in Ohio interviewing for her current role as a nurse on the neuro trauma floor. Becky was working that day, at the same hospital, and suffered a stroke.

“Luckily Becky was able to receive immediate care, which helped her recover with no residual deficits,” Tori said. “I am beyond grateful for the research and dedication that has gifted her with the quick interventions that saved her life.”

Tori (L) and Becky

Running the New York City Marathon has always been a goal of Tori’s and after Becky’s stroke she knew Tedy’s Team was the perfect team to run it with. On March 8^th, Tori applied to join the team as a way to support her friend, who has always been there for her.

“This year I wanted to check an item off my bucket list and run the New York City Marathon, but I wanted to run for something bigger than myself,” explained Tori. “I am proud to give this momentous marathon meaning by running with a team that supports raising awareness and fighting stroke.”

Since its inception, Tedy’s Team has worked hard to support stroke and heart survivors, and their families, on their comeback journeys. Over the last 6 years, huge strides have been made in this area with the creation of a financial assistance program named the Comeback Assistance Program, through our partnership with the MGH Institute of Health Professions to create the Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery, and in our support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago.

As a nurse on the neurological trauma unit team, Tori has first-hand experience with stroke patients immediately following their stroke and within the beginning stages of their comeback journeys.

“It can be disheartening at times to talk with patients when their insurance is limiting and further challenging the patient’s opportunity to be successful,” Tori stated. “I am hopeful that with the continued efforts of Tedy’s Team, more lives can be positively affected, changed and saved, and I want to be a part of that.”

On Sunday, November 2^nd, Tori will be joining her fellow teammates on the streets of New York as they tackle the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. To support her fundraising and awareness efforts, please visit her personal fundraising page and  learn the warning signs of stroke, which are best remembered by using the acronym BE FAST, which stands for:

• Balance Difficulties
• Eyesight Changes
• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulties – and if you notice any of those warning signs, it’s…
• TIME TO CALL 9-1-1.

BE FAST is an acronym to help you quickly recognize common signs of a stroke and to take any necessary action by calling for emergency medical services. Other symptoms may include sudden and severe unexplained headache or migraine with no obvious cause, and confusion or trouble understanding things they would normally know.