Hi all!

My name is Brónagh Tumulty. I am a reporter with WGN in Chicago. I'm also attempting to run my first marathon in October.

(And I'm terrified!)

I've never really been a "runner". But running a marathon has always been on my bucket list. And it's because of the guy in the photo, holding me when I was a baby.

That guy is my grandfather, Cathal O'Donoghue. He died back at home in Ireland a few years ago, following a stroke. He was 71. Cathal was the kind of person who had a smile and a joke for everyone. He never raised his voice and would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He drove me to school every morning and was waiting for me outside of it every evening.

And, he ran four marathons. (Dublin 1982, Dublin 1983, Belfast 1983, Belfast 1984)

Cathal also visited Chicago a few times during his lifetime. When he died, he left behind five children, three of whom live in Chicago. Eleven of his 12 grandchildren, now also live here. Our family is deeply connected to this city and I'm hoping to cross the finish line next month, in his memory.

I'm also hoping this goal will raise some money and awareness for a local charity named Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other. SSEEO does amazing work helping families around Chicagoland. For example, they're currently recruiting stroke survivors for a collaboration with North Central College in Naperville. Through that, they'll provide occupational therapy for survivors who otherwise wouldn't be able to avail of it.

A stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. Remembering the F.A.S.T acronym can help you spot one. I've dubbed this fundraising event "F.A.S.T Feet" in the hope that acronym will stick with people.

F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?

T = Time to call 911

(Disclaimer: I personally am not “fast” at all - I may be the last one in the race!)

If you'd like to find out more about the work SSEEO does, they've got so much information and resources on their website. (https://sseeo.org)

If raising awareness about the work they do helps save even one life, every step of the marathon, will be worth it.

Thank you all so much,

Brónagh. ☘️

Chicago Marathon - Brónagh Tumulty

By Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other, Inc.

Chicago Marathon - Brónagh Tumulty

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