The Dr. Jeffrey Thomas Stroke Shield Foundation (JTSSF) is dedicated to preventing stroke and optimizing stroke treatment and recovery. The prime directive of JTSSF is to promote and support clinically relevant, important stroke research through accelerated funding of projects chosen for their potential to change stroke incidence and treatment. JTSSF is unique among organizations in its ability to select such projects, derived from its clinical expertise in treating stroke and cerebrovascular disease every day. Our funding of targeted stroke research on human behavior, risk factor modification, and treatment technologies will accelerate the inevitable change in the landscape of stroke.