CHICAGO(May 21, 2016) - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club and the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) have partnered to host Stroke Awareness Night on Saturday, May 28, when the defending MLS Cup Champion Portland Timbers visit Toyota Park (7:30 p.m. CT / CSN Chicago, 97.5 PODER).
As part of the match, the Chicago Fire will recognize season ticket holders with a personal connection to stroke, either as a victim or as a caretaker for a loved one. Fans can submit names by completing the form at Chicago-Fire.com/strokeawarenessnight.
Fire fans will have many other opportunities to learn about stroke awareness at the match. Fire Fest will feature a station staffed by stroke education volunteers, players will offer stroke tips via a PSA on the Toyota Park video board, and fans can pick up a UI Health water bottle on their way into the stadium with a stroke awareness information card inside. Additionally, the Fire will hold a commemorative jersey auction with proceeds benefitting the Chicago Fire Foundation. Fire players Razvan Cocis, Patrick McLain, Collin Fernandez and Matt Polster also filmed a PSA with UI Health to offer tips on what to do during a stroke emergency situation.
TICKETS: Chicago Fire vs. Portland Timbers
May is Stroke Awareness Month and the Fire and UI Health are aiming to help get the message out. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, but knowing the warning signs of stroke can lead to more responsive care, resulting in a quicker recovery. There are more than 7 million stroke survivors in the U.S. today.
UI Health is one of just three hospitals in Illinois certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, a designation reserved for health facilities that meet the most meticulous standards for stroke services and care. Stroke patients at UI Health have access to extensive care 24/7.
"As a leader in stroke care in Chicago, we feel a responsibility to educate our community about stroke prevention and symptoms," said Dr. Avijit Ghosh, CEO of the UI Health Hospital and Clinics. "Stroke is preventable, and every day UI Health helps stroke patients on their journey to recovery. By working with the Chicago Fire to help raise awareness of stroke, we're saving lives."
UI Health is a nationally recognized Comprehensive Stroke Center, providing the highest level of stroke care 24/7. A stroke awareness campaign throughout the month of May will feature stroke survivors and their UI Health physicians. The campaign focuses on educating the community of the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of seeking treatment immediately at premier facility like UI Health. For more information, visit ChiBrain.org.
Tickets for the May 28 match are available at Ticketmaster or by calling 888-MLS-FIRE.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS HOSPITAL & HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM
In 2012 the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) became the official health system of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. The partnership was formed in part because of the link between the two organizations' missions and their committed focus to being a part of and helping the communities around us. UI Health consists of a 495-bed academic hospital, an outpatient center with more than 20 clinics, and more than a dozen community-based Mile Square Health Centers. Across Chicago, UI Health and has your health covered.
