Inner West Sydney pasta maker, father and stroke survivor Joe, is urging locals to learn the signs of stroke and support Stroke Foundation's biggest annual fundraiser, Stride4Stroke this September.
Joe, 56, from Haberfield, knows all too well how stroke can strike without warning. In 2018, at just 48 years of age, he was working at his kitchen table when he suddenly began struggling to communicate. He went to bed thinking that he just needed some rest but over the next few hours, Joe's condition deteriorated, he became unable to walk properly and was rushed to hospital.
Joe had experienced an ischaemic stroke. He spent weeks in ICU, months in rehabilitation, and had to relearn how to walk and communicate.
"I'd never heard of the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke before. If you know the signs, go straight to hospital. I didn't, and I'm living with more impairments than I probably had to," Joe said.
Joe is now living life with purpose, determined to raise awareness and funds to help others. This is his second year taking part in Stride4Stroke, walking and training in the gym to clock up his Moving Minutes. Last year, Joe raised over $5,000 and he is aiming to beat that total this year.
Joe is rallying his community, teaming up with Freemason friends, restaurateur Marcello Marcobello, and co-organiser Domenic Decandia to host an exclusive fundraising dinner at a restaurant in Darlinghurst at the end of this month. The event has already sold out, with all proceeds going to the Stroke Foundation. Guests will also enjoy Joe's award-winning Peppe's Pasta.
Right: Joe and his fellow Freemasons, Marcello and Domenic
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, said Joe's story highlights why awareness is critical.
"One stroke occurs every 11 minutes in Australia - and too many people, like Joe, do not know to recognise the signs," Dr Murphy said. "FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call triple zero (000). Knowing these signs could save a life and reduce the ongoing impact of stroke."
Joe considers himself one of the lucky ones. His award-winning pasta business continues to thrive, and he has been able to adapt his role to focus on managing the company.
"A lot of people don't get the opportunity to get back to work after a stroke, so I am very lucky. Stride4Stroke is my way of giving back," he said.
About Stride4Stroke
Stride4Stroke is Stroke Foundation's biggest annual fundraiser, challenging Australians to set a personal 'Moving Minutes' goal and get active their own way throughout September - walking, running, swimming, dancing or riding - to help prevent stroke, save lives and support the 440,000 stroke survivors in our community.
Stride4Stroke 2025 is proudly supported by: Australian Physiotherapy Association, Compassion Care Network and Precision Group.
