New Hampshire man runs marathon for stroke awareness

A man from Concord, New Hampshire, is preparing to run the Boston Marathon in honor of a coworker who recently survived a stroke. Marc Desgroseilliers, a Concord Hospital employee, experienced a stroke himself while at work. His wife, who also works at the hospital, noticed something was wrong when she saw his facial droop and garbled speech. She quickly took him to the emergency department, where he received timely care. Desgroseilliers expressed disbelief at his sudden condition. He reflected on how quickly life can change and marveled at the severity of strokes that can lead to devastating effects on people. His coworker, Kevin O'Connor, who works on the administrative side, heard about the incident and felt relieved that Desgroseilliers was in the right place for help. O'Connor understands the importance of quick action, as he has family members who have suffered from heart issues and strokes. Inspired by the resilience he witnessed in his mother, he decided to run the Boston Marathon for Tedy's Team. This organization supports stroke survivors, including a 13-year-old girl named Amelia who has had three strokes. Both Desgroseilliers and O'Connor have shared their experiences to raise awareness about strokes. Desgroseilliers has since undergone surgery for his heart condition and will need to take blood thinners for life. Their stories highlight the significance of community and support in recovery.