Tedy’s Team® runner to achieve dream of running the Boston Marathon® in honor of his grandfather

Next month, Lynn resident and Tedy’s Team® rookie, Devin Curley, will be running the Boston Marathon® in honor of his grandfather, who is a stroke survivor.

Devin grew up going into the city and watching the Boston Marathon with his grandmother and younger brother. One year when they were watching, Devin climbed up a fence to see over the crowd and watch runners cross the finish line.

“I would tell my grandmother that I was going to run the race one day,” said Devin. “And she would always tell me that she would be there when I crossed the finish line.”

Now, years later, Devin will be doing just that as a member of Tedy’s Team, a cause that is near and dear to his heart.

Last February, after waking up from a nap, Devin’s grandfather was confused and disoriented. Thankfully, Devin’s uncle was with him at the time and immediately recognized that something was wrong and got him to the hospital quickly.

At the hospital, it was determined that his grandfather had suffered a stroke. Due to the quick actions of his uncle, and the location of the stroke in his brain, he did not have any long-lasting effects, and was able to keep his memory and make a full recovery.

“After learning what happened, I realized that I did not know the warning signs of stroke,” explained Devin. “If I had been there instead of my uncle that day, I may not have known what needed to be done.”

As a member of Tedy’s Team, Devin has not only been raising life-saving funds in the fight against stroke and heart disease, but also raising awareness of the warning signs of stroke.

On April 15^th, Devin will be achieving his dream of running the Boston Marathon and fulfilling his promise to his grandmother, who will be waiting for him with other family members at the finish line.

To support Devin’s fundraising and awareness efforts, please visit his personal team member 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.