Phil Anderson, a long-time runner, has become an advocate for stroke awareness. Though he seemed an unlikely candidate for a stroke, having completed dozens of marathons and ultra-marathons over the years, he suffered a stroke in April 2007.

His message today is that stroke, which cuts off blood flow to the brain and kills 160,000 Americans each year, can strike anyone at any time — and that recognizing the early signs, mini-strokes that precede a stroke, is of critical importance.

He established the Survivor Run in 2008 to raise awareness of stroke, and is currently ranked number “One” among fundraisers for the National Stroke Association. He has also become a role model for recovery from stroke, having regained his speech, his mobility, and his speed as a runner. In his recovery, he has raised his total number of ultra-marathon completions to 76.

Check out the progress of his fundraising at:  http://www.firstgiving.com/nationalstrokeassociation

He has plans to grow Phil’s Survival Run each year, to reach more people about prevention and minimization of the effects of stroke.