Last week I shared the sad news of losing four friends.

That was pretty rough.

A few days later, at 4:00pm Friday, I experienced something else that rocked my world: I had a stroke.

It was a scary moment, but thanks to the swift action of my incredible wife, Kay, and the expertise of the ER doctors, I’m relieved to tell you I’m feeling pretty normal now.

This experience taught me an invaluable lesson about the importance of awareness and quick action, and I want to share that lesson with you today.

Strokes can happen to anyone, anytime, and they often strike without warning. According to the American Stroke Association, strokes are the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the United States. But here’s the good news, something I didn't know: many strokes can be treated if they are caught early. That’s why it’s crucial to know the signs and act fast.

One of the most effective tools for recognizing a stroke is the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. It stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Let’s break it down:

• Balance:
  • Sudden loss of balance or coordination can be an early sign of a stroke. If you or someone else experiences unexpected dizziness or trouble standing, it might be a red flag.
• Eyes:
  • Vision problems can also indicate a stroke. This could mean sudden blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Face:
  • One of the most recognizable signs of a stroke is facial drooping. If you ask the person to smile and one side of their face droops or feels numb, it could be a sign of a stroke.
• Arms:
  • Weakness or numbness in the arms is another warning sign. Ask the person to raise both arms; if one arm drifts downward or feels weak, it might be a stroke.
• Speech:
  • Difficulty speaking is a critical indicator. If someone suddenly slurs their speech, struggles to find the right words, or is unable to speak, it’s time to take action.
• Time:
  • Time is of the essence when it comes to treating a stroke. If you observe any of these signs, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately. The quicker a stroke is treated, the better the chances of recovery.

(The symptoms in ORANGE happened to me.)

I got lucky. Fifteen minutes before my stroke struck, Kay had left to drive to Seattle for dinner and a movie with her best friend. She would've been gone for hours. She forgot something and returned to retrieve it. I would've been unable to call her or even dial 911.

My stroke, as well as the loss of our friends, was a stark reminder that life can change in an instant. But it was also a reminder of the incredible support system I have—Kay, the medical professionals, and the hundreds of incredible messages I received last week from you.

We often focus on building uncopyable advantages in business, but it’s just as important to build resilience and preparedness in our personal lives.

I’m grateful for the quick help I received, and I want to make sure you all have the knowledge and tools to act if you ever face a similar situation. PLEASE remember B.E.F.A.S.T., share it with others, and stay vigilant. Together, we can protect ourselves and those we care about from the devastating effects of a stroke.

(I take a deep breath)

And now, I hope next week we can return to our regularly scheduled program of marketing, branding, sales, innovation, and general Steve frivolity!

In the meantime, always remember...

Be Uncopyable!

Steve