This has been a long time coming for me I am a five time stroke survivor and avid long distance runner! When I found Tedy's Team online I knew I had to apply for the team. I have been searching for ways to make a difference in the stroke world, specifically to spread awareness to younger people and help teach young people how to navigate and advocate for themselves in the medical world. It can be a big scary and sometimes lonely place. I have been there more than I'm comfortable with.

Here is an idea of my story as it's far too much to write here, I hope you will follow me on social media so you can continue to hear my story and learn how to educate yourself and those around you! You can find me on instagram @cmcmaine or Facebook by my name.

https://www.biausa.org/find-bia/states/news/february-2022-celina-mcmichael

Please take the time to read this article. Tedy and I have similar stroke stories in that we both have recovered very quickly and without visible deficits, I do have a few "quiet" deficits but nothing compared to what many others suffer after stroke. I have been told by my neurologists that I haven't had "small" strokes and it is amazing that I operate and function in the capacity that I do today.

This fundraiser is very important to me, after my last stroke 1/17/21 I sought care from multiple teams as this was stroke number five and I had PFO closure surgery a year before this stroke and thought I was in the clear to be stroke free, it was very difficult to accept this stroke after the PFO closure for myself and my family, it was very traumatic. It has been more than challenging to choose to live without fear on a daily basis.

I believe and pray that I will be stroke free from here on out, I do take anticoagulation and blood thinning agents every day now.

I was told during my time at Mass General there has been no research conducted since the 1990's on blood coagulation disorders, I am asking for your help via donation so that we can make some strides for stroke!!

This race personally gives me the motivation to strive for goals for myself as a stroke survivor of running long distances again!   Please follow my story on social media, attend events I host if you can and donate today if you can, please share this story with as many people as you can. I can pretty much guarantee you personally have a family member or close friend that has been effected by stroke, it is the leading cause of disability in our country.

I will post updates and events as they come up, I am currently working on creating my first events for the community. Please join me over the next few months as I work hard to spread awareness, raise funds and of course train for Boston! Follow my Facebook account Celina McMichael or @cmcmaine on instagram. As one of my running idol's Sally McRae preaches #choosestrong!! I have been choosing strong for a very long time and don't intend on stopping anytime soon.

It is my hope someday I'll have "diagnosis"I currently live with "cryptogenic stroke" or no known cause, all of my stokes have been ischemic but we do not know why I have had strokes there are ideas but no definitive answer, as I stated before I did have PFO surgery and I did have a stroke a year later still, please know PFO surgery isn't the end all answer if you've had a PFO closure. Help us find answers by making a donation.

Here are a couple of opportunities I recently had to speak to the local news and a local podcast, please listen and share.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M4kNiipTos

https://www.newscentermaine.com/video/news/mystery-stroke-vivderek-6pm-pkg/97-1879da0f-a546-4cba-ad12-1acc1ecde85e

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. to learn more about who we are, please see our website, www.tedysteam.org.

We are honored to be part of the Official Charity Program of the TCS NYC Marathon for 2023.

New York Road Runners 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.