Minutes count when someone is having a stroke, and many strokes are preventable.

Those are key takeaways for National Stroke Awareness Month, according to Jyutika Mehta, PhD,  director of the Texas Woman’s University Stroke Center-Dallas, located at the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences in the Southwestern Medical District.

“Stroke can happen to anyone, but it’s not always inevitable,” Mehta said. “There are steps you can take to reduce your risk.”

One important step is to talk to your doctor about your risk for stroke, Mehta noted. “Family history and lifestyle are factors in stroke risk,” she said. “If you’re at higher risk, your doctor can help you identify the factors you can control or influence — such as physical activity, smoking, weight, diabetes and high blood pressure management, and stress management — and offer advice, resources or interventions to help you significantly reduce your risk.”

Mehta also stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when stroke is suspected.

“Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the U.S., which means that everyone should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of stroke,” she said. “When a stroke happens, getting help quickly can greatly increase a person’s chances of recovering from a stroke. In some cases, a quick response can literally save someone’s life.”

Established in 1992, the Stroke Center-Dallas is a specialized facility providing internationally-recognized research and state-of-the-art outpatient rehabilitation of stroke and traumatic brain injury, as well as hands-on training for TWU graduate students.

Patients who qualify for the program receive intensive, customized treatment plans designed to improve speech, language, cognition and motor outcomes, at no cost to the patient. The Stroke Center also provides treatment options for oral and pharyngeal dysphagia (swallowing and feeding dysfunction).

“Stroke is a dangerous and deadly disease, but there is hope for stroke survivors,” Mehta said. “Research happening at Stroke Center-Dallas and at facilities around the world are leading to continually improving, advanced rehabilitation treatment protocols and technology that are helping healthcare providers help their patients achieve positive, sometimes life-changing outcomes.”

STROKE AWARENESS:

Symptoms of stroke include numbness, confusion, trouble walking or seeing, dizziness, and severe headache. Since these symptoms can be caused by many conditions, use the FAST test to help you react quickly:

F (Face): Is any part of the face drooping? Can the person having symptoms smile? Does the smile appear uneven?

A (Arms): Can the person lift their arms? Does one arm drift downward?

S (Speech): Is the person’s speech slurred or nonsensical?

T (Time): Remember that time is critical. If stroke is suspected, call 9-1-1 immediately.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKE CENTER-DALLAS

To learn more about Stroke Center-Dallas clinical trials or treatment programs, visit twu.edu/stroke-center-dallas or call/email 214-689-6592 or strokecenter@twu.edu. To find out more about eligibility for treatment, visit https://twu.edu/stroke-center-dallas/how-to-apply-for-treatment/. To make a donation to the Stroke Center, visit giving.twu.edu.     

About TWU: Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery and health and wellbeing, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a $125 million fundraising effort to support programming, equipment, scholarships and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.

About TWU Dallas: Texas Woman’s first established a presence in Dallas in 1954, when the nursing program was launched at Parkland Hospital. Today, the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences – Dallas Center is a 190,000-square-foot facility that sits in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District. Since then, Texas Woman’s has become a notable contributor to the healthcare workforce, graduating an average of 2,000 nursing and allied health professionals each year.

The Dallas campus also is home to the renowned Stroke Center, which provides more than 5,000 hours of clinical, neuro-rehabilitation services annually at no cost to members of the community. In addition to an MBA and graduate level Healthcare Administration programs, the Dallas campus offers upper-level undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Grant Halliburton Foundation held its 15^th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel on April 19where nearly 700 people attended to raise funds for the nonprofit. The event raised more than $350,000—a record for the nonprofit organization.

During the reception, guests enjoyed the champagne wall and mental wellness activities. While DJ Lucy Wrubel played entertaining tunes, guests wrote and drew on the Hope wall, bid on a raffle packages, and made connections at the Beacon Brews Coffee House.

The luncheon kicked off with the L.D. Bell High School (Hurst) Bell Tones and Decibelles singing “You Will be Found” from the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen.

Jenny Anchondo, host and producer of CW33’s “Inside DFW,” welcomed everyone. Rev. Katie Newsome, executive director and lead pastor of Union Coffee, gave the invocation. Guests ate lunch and visited at their tables.

Anchondo introduced The Beacon Award honoree through a video. This year’s honoree was Eric Nadel, Voice of the Texas Rangers, who was open about his struggles with depression and mental health issues during last year’s baseball season. Nadel spoke openly about his struggles and came back the last couple of months of the season—just in time to commentate the Rangers winning the World Series.

Next, attendees watched a video about Grant Halliburton Foundation and its work. Foundation President Kevin Hall spoke next. “We envision a world where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death for young people and where everyone affected by mental illness has the support and resources they need.” He discussed all the services that the Foundation provides in English and Spanish.

The 2024 luncheon co-chairs, Natalie Hatchett and Courtney Hubbard, thanked sponsors including presenting sponsor Emily Lewis, Vice Chairs Chris and Brent Bolding, Founding Luncheon Chair Barb Farmer and the others for their support.

A video told of Hatchett and Hubbard’s close friendship spanning three decades with all of life’s milestones. Hatchett shared openly about her son Preston having mental health issues and depression. He died by suicide at age 20 in 2021. After the video and many tears from them and the audience, the co-chairs asked for people to support Grant Halliburton Foundation by giving hope. Many people were moved to give generously.

Katie Norris, producer and founder of nonprofit Fotolanthropy, introduced the featured speakers Kevin Berthia, suicide prevention advocate and suicide attempt survivor, and Kevin Briggs, California Highway Patrolman and author of Guardian of the Golden Gate: Protecting the Line Between Hope and Despair. Fotolanthropy is creating 92 Minutes, a feature documentary, on their powerful story. She showed a short clip of the film, and then the Kevins spoke about the day they met in 2005 on the Golden Gate Bridge when Berthia was about to take his life.

Though both came from different neighborhoods, they both had trying circumstances, suicides, mental illness and depression as a common bond. When Berthia was on the Golden Gate Bridge to end his life, he said, “This voice distracted me. His voice was of hope, peace, compassion. It’s the first time I talked about me, the real me.” That day marked Berthia’s 11^th suicide attempt. With Briggs asking him questions about his life, after 92 minutes, Berthia chose to come back over the rail. This moment was captured by a photographer resulting in an image shared globally. Fast forward to 2013, Berthia attempted suicide 22 times.

In 2013, Briggs won an award for his service as a California Highway Patrol, and he asked Berthia’s mom if Kevin would present this award. Berthia reluctantly agreed to do it and to tell his story, which he had not done. Berthia said, “A woman came up to me afterwards and said she hadn’t slept in five years and told me my story gave her hope. She said, ‘I now know how Jacob (her son) felt, and I can sleep tonight.” This moment was a pivotal one for Berthia.

Since 2013, Briggs and Berthia have shared their story connection, hope and listening to encourage people to live life to the fullest.  

The Beacon of Hope Luncheon supports Grant Halliburton Foundation’s work to provide education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health.In the last 18 years, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 325,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Luncheon. To learn more, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including education, conferences, collaboration and encouragement. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to more than 325,000 students, educators, parents and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and addiction information and resources. Learn more about the Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

Celebrating Hispanic heritage and tradition, the Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade & Fiesta – presented by the Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts (OCCA) – will get underway Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood. Billed as the biggest and longest running parade in North Texas, the mile-long procession will take place on historic Jefferson Boulevard, a vibrant hub for Hispanic communities and businesses. The event will culminate with a merienda (afternoon party) featuring a Cultural Expressions performance by Ida y Vuelta Flamenco from 1-3 p.m. at the Texas Theatre, sponsored by David Reyna Law Firm and The Office of Arts and Culture Community Arts Pop Up Cultural Center. Free and open to the public, the annual celebration is sponsored by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.

The SuVida Healthcare welcome ceremony will commence at 9 a.m., hosted by the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, located at 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. Parade goers can enjoy deejay music as honorary marshals are pinned. OCCA will also present the 2024 Cinco de Mayo Poet who will debut a new poem.

At 10 a.m. the WellMed Parade Step Off Confetti Shoot will kick off at the corner of 300 W. Jefferson Blvd. and 300 S. Madison Ave. as OCCA, community partners and sponsors initiate the long-anticipated Cinco de Mayo Parade. Dozens of colorful floats, decorated vehicles and marching bands will showcase their pride and joy down Jefferson Boulevard while reveling the rich cultural tapestry of Hispanic culture in Dallas.

The Carter Bloodcare Parade Review Stand will feature bilingual emcees announcing the parade entries as judges tally their votes for the “Best of Parade” awards. In addition, artist Jesus Alba will be on hand for remarks celebrating his newest “Dando Esperanza” mural at 12:30 p.m.

Promising boundless fun for all ages, the Fiesta will feature deejay music, exhibitors, food trucks, and local shopping and dining at more than 200 storefronts (including ice cream, candy, fresh fruit delights, bridal and quince shops, Latin cuisine eateries, murals, cultural centers and landmarks). Vendors/exhibitors will be set up in the 400 and 500 blocks of W. Jefferson Blvd. from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Media partners are NBC 5 and Telemundo 39.

For more information, go to oakcliffart.org.

About Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts
The Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts was founded in 1995 to promote the arts and education through unique cultural programs in a bilingual format. OCCA is a non-profit federal tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 organization.

As North Texas temperatures start to climb, the coolest place for fun and recreation is the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center. The acclaimed skate rink has hosted dozens of Olympic medalists and famed figure skaters from across the globe. This summer, skaters of any ability can find fun and festivities while keeping cool. Planned activities include skate camps and lessons, themed skate parties and more.

First, in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center is hosting Teacher AppreciSKATEtion week from May 6-10. Educators are invited to the rink for complimentary ice skating with a school ID. Teacher appreciation tickets may be booked onsite.

Themed skate nights each month invite skaters of all abilities to come together and enjoy curated playlists, festive photo ops and great giveaways. Each skate night requires $12 admission. Skate rental onsite is an additional $5. Summer skate nights include:

• Saturday May 18, 5-7 p.m.          K-pop Skate Night
• Saturday, June 22, 5-7 p.m.         Hula Skate
• Saturday, July 20, 5-7 p.m.          TikTok Skate Night
• Saturday, Aug. 10, 5-7 p.m.         Go for Gold Skate Night

Stretch your summer budget further in June with $5 Fridays. Each Friday during the month of June, enjoy $5 admission and $5 skate rental all day long when purchasing onsite.

Those wanting to learn something new during their summer of fun can enjoy skate classes and camps. Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center offers five-week beginner group classes for ages 3 to adult with sessions running all summer. Upcoming sessions include:

• May 20 – June 23        
• June 24 – July 28     
• July 29 – Sept. 1

Those interested in booking a five-week session should call the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center at 972-392-3361.

Newbies who would like to get a taste of skating can book shorter, three-day beginning skate camps. These camps include a combination of instruction and education. The camps are $95 per person and include free admission to the skate center each day of the camp. Camp sessions will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on the following dates:

• June 17-19
• July 22-24

To book beginner camps, families should call 972-392-3361.

If becoming a future Olympian is your goal, or if you just want to show off in front of your friends, a figure skating camp will be held July 8-10 from 9-11 a.m. each day. This more advanced camp will focus on enhancing jumps and spins, plus off-ice stretching and conditioning. This camp is intended for students in levels Freestyle 1 and up. The figure skating camp is $150 for ages 6-18. Call the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating center at 972-392-3361 to reserve a spot.

Throughout the summer, the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center is literally one of the coolest places to be during a hot Texas summer. Rinkside temperatures rarely rise above 70 degrees, providing a refreshing break from a steamy summer day.

About Galleria Dallas 

Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, The Westin Galleria Dallas and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 12 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc.  Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.

For Social Media:  @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas @galleriadallasiceskating #galleriadallasiceskating

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 4/27 1:00-3:00
3970 High Summit Dr. Dallas, TX 75244

Step inside to this gorgeous mid century open concept home complete with several recent updates. Inside you will find ample natural light with an entire wall of floor to ceiling windows that look into the well maintained backyard with mature trees. The formal dining room is open to the living room and kitchen and has a stunning gas fireplace and large skylight. In the family room, you will find a great sized storage closet and an exposed brick wall adding loads of character to the home! The kitchen is the heart of this home with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a large cooktop and double ovens. In 2023, the entire interior of the home was painted, a bathroom with dual sinks and dual shower heads was added, and every window was replaced to energy efficient windows. This home has four spacious bedrooms with the fourth bedroom currently serving as an office. Being 5 minutes to the Galleria and having easy highway access makes this location hard to beat!