Circle of Life Members Learn to “Think FAST” About Stroke and Vascular Health

On June 3rd, our Circle of Life members gathered at the Frank Hasenfratz Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing for an engaging and informative evening focused on stroke and vascular health. The event, titled “Think FAST: Stroke and Vascular Health Explained,” featured a panel of Guelph General healthcare professionals who shared critical insights on recognizing stroke symptoms, understanding risk factors, and the importance of timely treatment.

Attendees were reminded of the FAST acronym for identifying stroke symptoms:

  • Face drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Time to call 911

The session also emphasized prevention strategies, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, and monitoring conditions like high blood pressure.

Guelph General Hospital (GGH) plays a vital role in stroke and vascular care for our region. From April 2024 to March 2025, GGH treated 320 inpatient stroke cases. As a designated Tele-Stroke Site, the hospital connects patients with top stroke specialists through e-health services, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment. GGH also offers clot-busting medications and operates a dedicated stroke unit with 8 acute-care beds.

Panel discussion at THINK Fast seminar
Panel Discussion at THINK Fast Seminar

In addition, GGH is proud to serve as the Regional Centre for Vascular Surgery, offering advanced surgical and non-surgical care for patients with vascular conditions. This specialized program is supported by a team of expert surgeons and staff and made possible through the generosity of donors like you.

Join the Circle of Life Program

This event was one of many exclusive opportunities offered to members of our Circle of Life program – an inspiring community of donors who contribute $500 or more annually to support Guelph General Hospital. Members receive invitations to behind-the-scenes tours, educational events like this one, and regular updates o the impact of their giving. Those who give $2,500 or more annually become part of the Inner Circle, with the opportunity to vote on a special hospital-identified priority project to collectively support each year.

If you’re passionate about advancing healthcare in our community and want to be part of a group that’s making a lasting impact, we invite you to join the Circle of Life.

Learn more or join today at gghfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/circle-of-life, or contact Deanne LeBlanc at [email protected] or 519-837-6440 ext. 42007.

Together, we’re saving lives and transforming care—every day.

Hospital and Foundation Staff and leadership
Pictured Left to Right: Lindsay Page, Physiotherapist, GGH; Andrea de Jong, Director, Emergency Department and Sexual Asualt/Domestic Violence Program; Julie Byczynski, CEO, FGGH; Dr. Mary Cameron, Physician, GGH; Dr. Afshin Jahromi, Physician, Chief of Vascular Surgery, GGH