Empowering Future Generations: Reflections on the Fast Heroes Summit in Krakow

27 Jun 2024 Stroke awareness

Dr. Shamala Thilarajah, is a Senior Principal Physiotherapist at Singapore General Hospital and Associate Professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology. Dr Thilarajah is also the President of the Singapore National Stroke Association and alumni of the WSO Future Leaders Program.

Here, Dr Thilarajah shares her reflections from the recent FAST Heroes Summit in Warsaw, Poland.

As a passionate advocate for stroke awareness from Singapore National Stroke Association, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Fast Heroes Summit in Krakow. This event brought together a diverse group of individuals from around the globe, all united by a mission to raise stroke awareness and empower communities to respond swiftly. The experience was profoundly inspiring and highlighted the importance of innovative educational initiatives like the Fast Heroes program.

The Fast Heroes program is a visionary initiative designed to combat the devastating impact of strokes through education. By targeting young children, this program leverages their enthusiasm and curiosity to impart crucial knowledge about stroke symptoms and the importance of timely intervention. The approach is both creative and impactful, using superhero-themed narratives to engage children and transform them into vigilant "heroes" within their communities. These young heroes are taught to recognise the signs of a stroke – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services – encapsulated in the acronym FAST.

Highlights from the Summit

The summit in Krakow was a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and cultures, all centered around stroke awareness. One of the most profound aspects was the emphasis on global collaboration. Participants from various countries shared unique challenges and successes in promoting stroke awareness, providing a rich tapestry of insights and strategies that could be adapted and implemented in different contexts.

Inspiring Success Stories: One of the most heartwarming segments was hearing firsthand accounts of children who, thanks to the Fast Heroes program, recognized stroke symptoms in their loved ones and took swift action. These stories were powerful testaments to the life-saving potential of the program. The realization that children, through simple yet effective education, could play a pivotal role in emergency situations was both inspiring and humbling.
Innovative Educational Approaches: The summit also showcased innovative approaches to stroke education. Interactive workshops highlighted the use of technology, storytelling, and games to make learning about stroke symptoms engaging for children. These methods ensure the information is retained and shared within their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of awareness.
Global Unity: The diversity of participants underscored the universal relevance of stroke awareness. Whether from Asia, Europe, Africa, or the Americas, the shared commitment to combating stroke through education was a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility. The summit fostered a sense of global unity, reinforcing the idea that while our cultures may differ, our dedication to health and well-being transcends borders.

The Road Ahead

In Singapore, the Fast Heroes program will continue to be a cornerstone of the Singapore National Stroke Association’s efforts to combat stroke. By partnering with Angel’s Initiative, schools, community organisations, and healthcare providers, we aim to expand the reach of this vital initiative. Our goal is to ensure that every child is equipped with the knowledge to act swiftly in the face of a stroke, transforming them into everyday heroes who can save lives.

The Fast Heroes Summit in Krakow was a testament to the incredible impact achieved when passionate individuals unite with a common purpose. As we move forward, let us continue to champion this cause, spreading the message of FAST and nurturing a generation of heroes ready to make a difference in their communities. Together, we can turn the tide against stroke and build a healthier, more informed world.

To find out more about FAST Heroes visit: https://gb-en.fastheroes.com/

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