I am beyond thrilled to be joining Tedy's Team for the 2022 NYC Marathon! I run not only to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke, but to help inspire survivors through their comeback. As a survivor myself, I know that the comeback is sometimes the hardest part of the journey.

On March 10, 2017 I went into sudden cardiac arrest while at work. I was without a pulse for roughly 45 minutes. During that time coworkers, paramedics, and doctors provided lifesaving CPR and shocks from an AED. I spent a total of 6 days in a medically induced coma and was not expected to pull through. When I woke up I was shocked to learn what had happened and learn of the long road to recovery ahead of me. I was unable to move my legs, had to have an ICD placed in my chest, and had to deal with the mental trauma of the events that occurred.

Prior to my cardiac arrest, I was a very active, fit woman. It was beyond devastating to not be able to walk even 10 steps. I slowly built back my strength while in the hospital so that I could go home and recover there. Each day I walked a little farther and was determined to be back to myself again. Over time walking led to jogging and I continued to push. Eventually that turned in to a 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon and then my first marathon with Tedy's Team. I knew that if I was going to take on a monumental run like a marathon, I had to do it with the purpose of helping others.

I truly believe that after a devastating medical event, you are forever working on your comeback and it looks different along the way. In the beginning a lot is focused on the physical comeback and over time you realize there is a lot of work to do in your mental space. I want to encourage other survivors to get the help they need- whatever that looks like for them. For me it was cardiac rehab to not be afraid to get my heart rate up while running and therapy. I am fortunate to have an incredible support system, but not all survivors are fortunate enough to have that. I hope that running for Tedy's Team will support others through their comeback and give them the tools to recover.

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.