Hi, my name is Lauren Lamm. In February 2016, I suffered a stroke. It was the day after my 25th birthday. I experienced loss of motor skills, numbness in my right side, and a headache. Fortunately, I had no lasting deficits. I had no idea how many people suffer from stroke, and I was in complete denial that I was now one of them. Frankly, I was embarrassed and afraid that this was going to affect my entire life, especially since I did not know the cause of my stroke at the time.

In the days following, I found out my stroke was the result of a hole in my heart known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). All of a sudden it hit me… “didn’t Tedy Bruschi go through this”? After having surgery to get my PFO repaired on Marathon Monday of 2016, I was determined to do as much as I could to raise awareness for the signs of stroke, just like Tedy.

I worked on ships at that time and would go to the Gulf of Mexico every other month for 28 days. I found out that Tedy’s Team was doing exactly what I wanted to be a part of, but I was disappointed to see that I would not be home for the 2017 Boston Marathon. I was excited for my next opportunity! However, life threw a wrench in my plan.

In March of 2017, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. He was strong and fought hard, but suffered a severe stroke, due to some complications, and passed away on November 2, 2017. I spent 2017 focusing on my dad and the rest of my family, but my father’s stroke reiterated how important this research was.

I joined the Tedy’s Team in 2018 and since then, have participated in the 2019 Boston Marathon, 2019 Falmouth Road Race and the 2020 (Virtual) Boston Marathon. It has been such a rewarding experience. I am so excited to be back for the 2022 New York City Marathon as part of the team!

Proof of the impact this team has made to my life: Just this past January (2022), my cousin suffered a stroke due to a PFO as well. He is otherwise healthy and it came as another huge shock to our family. He has some deficits with motor skills but his wife saw the signs of stroke incredibly early and called for help within minutes. Raising awareness and spreading the warning signs is so incredibly important and I’m so proud to be part of Tedy’s Team!

The mission of Tedy's Team is to raise awareness for stroke and heart disease while supporting survivors on their journey, giving them a means for a comeback!

Tedy's Team was originally founded in 2005, when Tedy Bruschi, former linebacker for the New England Patriots suffered a stroke shortly after winning his 3rd Super Bowl and just days after returning from his first Pro Bowl. 

We are honored to be part of the Offical Charity Program of the Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association has allowed us to utilize their platform to elevate the awareness of 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.

Should you ever have any questions about your donation, please reach out to Elizabeth@TedysTeam.org.

Donations to Tedy's Team are non-refundable and fully tax deductible.