South Dakota Mission: Lifeline® Stroke

You could save a life from a stroke! Learn how to act F.A.S.T. and see warning signs.

Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven or lopsided?
Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Time to Call 9-1-1
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.The F.A.S.T. Experience

Hear from Real-World Stroke Survivors
Shawn's Story
With a busy career in public affairs, Shawn found himself crisscrossing the state of South Dakota, driving hundreds of miles each year. But luckily it was while he was at a golf outing for a conference he was attending in Oregon that Shawn had a stroke. The people around him acted F.A.S.T., getting him the help he needed quickly to help Shawn recover and return home to SD.
Johanna's Story
When Johanna began exhibiting all of the signs and symptoms of stroke - face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech - she immediately sought help, but because she was so young, she was mis-diagnosed. No one thought she was experiencing a stroke, until weeks later when her primary care physician ordered additional tests and discovered what was going on. Her misdiagnosis became a mission to share her story so that others wouldn't have to fight her same fight.
Domico's Story
A normal Saturday afternoon relaxing and watching football turned into something so much more. A headache led to arm weakness… then confusion and panic. Domico was having a stroke. He knew he needed help, but couldn’t articulate how to get it. His wife got him to the hospital quickly, and he received the care he needed. As a young, healthy person, stroke was the furthest from their minds. But stroke can happen to anyone, at any age.
Marcella's Story
As a budding journalist, Marcella was planning on a career as a storyteller. But when she experienced a stroke at the age of 22, Marcella's personal story changed. Thankfully, her father recognized the signs and acted F.A.S.T. to seek treatment for her stroke, enabling Marcella to open a new chapter in her life.
Jordan's Story
Jordan was a high school teacher, coach and in the prime of his life. He was training for the Brookings Marathon and experienced a stroke while on a training run. A bystander acted F.A.S.T. and called 911, getting Jordan the lifesaving care he needed. Today his life looks a little different, but he has used his experience to continue his mission as an educator and coach, inspiring others with his incredible story of survival.
Life After Stroke
Stroke can be beatable. Rehabilitation is key to achieving and celebrating all the small victories along your way to recovery.
While strokes can vary in type and severity, many patients and their loved ones have been where you are now—facing important decisions about rehab that must be made quickly. Stroke recovery can seem overwhelming, but rehabilitation can help you regain your strength, your courage and your independence. Our tools and resources can help.


Stroke Risk in Women
Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in women and kills more women than men. In fact, one in five women will have a stroke.
The good news is that most strokes can be prevented.
- Women may have unique risk factors for stroke. Learn more.
- How is Stroke Different Between Men & Women (video)
- Women and Stroke Infographic
- More Info – Women and Stroke
Resources
2025 Stroke Month Lunch & Learn Webinar Series - May 16 "Stroke Rehab"
2025 Stroke Month Lunch & Learn Webinar Series - May 7 "Stroke in the Emergency Department"
South Dakota Mission: Lifeline Stroke Initiative Webinar (October 15, 2024)
South Dakota Mission: Lifeline Stroke Post-Acute Care Initiative Webinar (October 16, 2024)
Mission: Lifeline Stroke SD General Information (PDF)
FAQ – Mission: Lifeline Stroke South Dakota (PDF)
Introduction to Stroke (PDF) – Patient Handouts
Stroke Resource List for Patients (PDF) – Patient Handouts
Mission: Lifeline Stroke Post Acute Care Initiative – Resources & Training Videos
South Dakota Mission: Lifeline Stroke Initiative Webinar
South Dakota Mission Lifeline Stroke Post-Acute Care Initiative Webinar

Contact Us
SD Mission: Lifeline Stroke Project Manager
Joani Guzman | Quality Systems Manager-Mission: Lifeline South Dakota
[email protected] | (406) 671-1640
SD Mission: Lifeline Stroke Post-Acute Care Consultant
Caitlin Schlosser, MS, CCC-SLP, CAPM
Program Manager, Mission: Lifeline Stroke
[email protected]