This May, for Stroke Awareness Month, our award-winning stroke program at Community Regional Medical Center participated in numerous educational events not only within our facilities, but out in the community—bringing hands-on brain procedure demos, interactive games, and inspiring stroke survivor stories. Our key message? BE FAST — a simple acronym to spot stroke signs and act fast. Together, we’re raising awareness, empowering our community, and saving lives. (fb)

When Donald Lisles arrived at Clovis Community’s emergency department to pick up his wife, he had no idea his own life was about to change. As he pulled out of the parking lot, something felt off—so he stopped the car. A nearby nurse noticed him and immediately recognized the signs of a stroke. Within moments, Donald was rushed inside, where doctors discovered he was experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke—a rare and severe form of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. He soon fell into a coma. But his journey was only just beginning. Further tests revealed he needed advanced treatment, and he was transferred to Community Regional—the only Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in Fresno and the surrounding counties—for emergency surgery. Unfortunately, Donald suffered further complications from his stroke afterwards, but with the expert medical team’s dedication and his family’s unwavering support by his side, Donald fought through every challenge. Expert care close to home, and the love of family by his side every day made all the difference and played a crucial role in his recovery. And the best part? Soon after his recovery, Donald ran into his doctor, Dr. Arash Afshinnik, at Costco and got to personally thank him for the life-saving care he received. (fb)