Monica Seles and Alexandra Stevenson go Head- to Head on the Court to Increase Awareness About Stroke for the American Stroke Challenge

American Heart Association
Monday, 29 April 2002

Tennis Stars Battle Each Other to Raise Money to Prevent Stroke

Monica Seles and Alexandra Stevenson will kick-off the American Stroke Challenge today at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall with an interactive, educational event. The American Stroke Challenge, which is entering its eighth year, is a stroke awareness and fundraising initiative sponsored by Bayer® Aspirin in cooperation with the American Stroke Association.

While at Vanderbilt Hall, Seles and Stevenson will discuss the need for Americans to become more aware of stroke warning signs and prevention strategies. New Yorkers are invited to attend and receive a personalized stroke risk assessment.

"I am motivated to be a part of the American Stroke Challenge because I know what stroke can do to families," Stevenson said. "My grandfather had a stroke and I want to do all I can to battle the disease."

Stroke education is only one of the goals of the American Stroke Challenge - the other is to raise money to enhance stroke education, programs and research. To do this, Seles and Stevenson will engage in a "Battle of the Aces." Starting in May - American Stroke Month - and continuing through September, Bayer Aspirin will donate $1,500 to the American Stroke Association for every ace Seles and Stevenson make during tournament play. The battle begins with a mini-tennis match on April 29 at Vanderbilt Hall, where Bayer Aspirin will add $25,000 to the winner's fundraising coffer.

"I look forward to coming out on top in this fundraising battle against Alexandra," said Seles. "I'll be a champion on two fronts - raising money for the American Stroke Association and in helping people become more aware of their risk for stroke."

Finally, Americans in Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York and Washington, D.C. can get in on the challenge, too, by visiting selected retail stores in their area during the month of May to learn about stroke and receive a free stroke risk assessment. For a list of participating stores, visit the Bayer Aspirin web site at www.bayeraspirin.com.

Personal Side of Stroke

Stevenson has been personally touched by stroke. Her late grandfather suffered a stroke and lived with a disability for 14 years. Therefore, she is pleased to have the opportunity to increase awareness about stroke and raise money for stroke, education, research and programs.

As an athlete, Seles is aware of the devastation of stroke and its long-term disabling effect. As a result, she has a personal interest in helping Americans become more aware of stroke and ways to reduce their risk.

Facts About Stroke

- Stroke is the third leading cause of death (behind heart disease and cancer) in the United States, and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.

- Each year, 600,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke and someone dies from stroke every 3.1 minutes.

- There are about 4.6 million stroke survivors alive today.

- Direct and indirect costs on stroke in the United States this year will approach $50 billion.

Prevention Strategies

There are steps that Americans, especially women, can take to reduce their risk for stroke, which include:

- Learn the warning signs of stroke and call 9-1-1- immediately at the onset of stroke symptoms. Stroke is a medical emergency and every minute counts! More than 68 percent of Americans don't know the most common stroke warning sign - sudden numbness or weakness in the face arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

- Talk to a doctor about the benefits of aspirin to prevent recurrent strokes. Aspirin is the only over-the-counter pain reliever approved to prevent strokes in women and men who have previously suffered a heart attack, stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Bayer Aspirin

Bayer Aspirin is the maker of Bayer Women's Aspirin Plus Calcium - the first aspirin product specifically developed to address major health threats, like coronary heart disease, recurrent stroke and osteoporosis, facing American women.

Osteoporosis takes a major toll on Americans, especially women:

- 28 million Americans have osteoporosis - 80 percent of which are women.

- 1 out of every 2 women with osteoporosis will experience a fracture during their lifetime.

- Osteoporosis is associated with $13 billion in healthcare expenses each year.

Bayer Women's Aspirin Plus Calcium is the first and only product to combine a regimen dose of aspirin with 300 mg of calcium (equal to an 8 oz. glass of milk) to help women with coronary heart disease and recurrent stroke, and get a head start on meeting their daily calcium requirements. For additional information about aspirin, visit www.bayeraspirin.com.

American Stroke Association

The goal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is to raise awareness of stroke and reduce disability and death from stroke. For more information about stroke and life after stroke, contact the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE or visit their Web site at StrokeAssociation.org.

For more information, or to contact American Heart Association, see their website at: www.americanheart.org