Stroke survivor urges fellow Washingtonians to learn the warning signs of stroke on World Stroke Day, Oct. 29

Seattle, Oct. 22, 2025 – “The fact that I can do stuff says that I'm winning every day.” This is the motto of Tim Van Horn, a stroke survivor from Bremerton, Wash. On a summer evening in 2014, Van Horn collapsed in his dining room as the entire right side of his body suddenly became immobilized. He mustered the strength to crawl through his home and call 911. Medics arrived quickly and transported him to the hospital. When he was eventually discharged seven weeks later, he had to re-learn how to live day-to-day life. 

Van Horn suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a weakened vessel ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain. The blood accumulates and compresses the surrounding brain tissue. According to the American Stroke Association, hemorrhagic strokes make up about 13% of stroke cases[1]. The cause of Van Horn’s stroke remains unknown; however, stress, high blood pressure and an automobile accident from earlier in his life are all possible factors. Among adults, high blood pressure is the leading risk factor of stroke[2].

Today, following years of hard work and perseverance, Van Horn lives a normal life with some limitations. Notably, he is able to realize his passion for travel. From kayaking in Florida to hiking a crater in Hawaii, Van Horn says of his wanderlust, “I’m making up for the things I should have done earlier. You don't always get a second chance at life.”

Ahead of World Stroke Day on Oct. 29, Van Horn reflects on his journey of survival and recovery over the last decade. He wants fellow Washingtonians to know the warning signs of stroke and how to act should they recognize them in someone else or -- like Van Horn -- in themselves. One way to remember the stroke warning signs is with the F.A.S.T. acronym. If you see Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911. Explore what the warning signs may look, feel or sound like in the American Stroke Association’s interactive online F.A.S.T. Experience.

“Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in Washington[3],” said David Tirschwell, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, FAAN, board member for the American Heart Association in Washington and chief of service for neurology at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. “It’s important to know the warning signs and act quickly if you spot them because every second matters when we’re talking about stroke treatment and recovery outcomes.”  

World Stroke Day is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and emphasize the critical importance of calling 911 immediately when these symptoms are recognized. Globally, about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime[4], underscoring the importance of a broad public awareness around the topic.

More resources:

• Multimedia is available on the right side of this release
• Learn about reducing your stroke risk at Stroke.org/WorldStrokeDay
• F.A.S.T. infographic
• Nominate someone for the Stroke Hero Awards (due Dec. 4, 2025)

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About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X or in Washington on heart.org/Washington, Facebook, Instagram, X.

For Media Inquiries:

Lily Gordon, Lily.gordon@heart.org

Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org