Stroke survivor and former University of Georgia defensive lineman David Jacobs takes the line of scrimmage against stroke this spring when he again joins St. Mary’s Health Care System to host the 5^th Annual Next Step 5K on Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m. at the University of Georgia Tate Center Plaza.

The Next Step 5K is a 3.1-mile competitive road race that raises awareness of stroke in our community. Proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s stroke services, ranked by Healthgrades as among the top 5 percent in the nation since 2012.  Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death in America. Once thought of as a disease of the elderly, stroke now commonly afflicts people of all ages.

The run/walk begins and ends on Sanford Drive at the Tate Student Center, overlooking the stadium. The route takes participants through the beautiful UGA campus and adjacent Five Points neighborhoods. Highlighting the course are views of Sanford Stadium, where Jacobs played until a stroke ended his football career in 2001. Fast action by UGA’s athletics staff and St. Mary’s saved his life.

Pre-registration is $35 for adults, $20 for students before April 17. Families or teams of four-or-more can pre-register for $25 each. Stroke survivors are invited to participate at no charge. Pre-registered participants are guaranteed a t-shirt. After April 17, registration is $40 for all ages, with t-shirts available while supplies last.

Professional race timing will be provided by Classic Race Services, with awards three-deep for male and female winners overall, masters, and in 5-year age brackets from 10-and-under to 75-and-over.  The Next Step 5K is an official Peachtree Road Race qualifier and is part of the Run and See Georgia and Black Bag points series. In addition to runners, walkers, families with strollers, and people with wheelchairs are welcome. No pets, please, but service dogs are permitted. 

Registration is now open at Active.com. Paper registration forms are available at St. Mary’s Information Desk, St. Mary’s Wellness Center, Classic Race Services events, or by emailing [email protected]. Advance packet pick-up will be available Friday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Wellness Center, 2470 Daniells Bridge Road, Building 300, Athens, located off Ga. 316 near the Oconee Connector. Free blood pressure screenings will be available. Race-day registration will open at 8 a.m. at the Tate Center Plaza. 

Stroke survivors who would like to participate are asked to call St. Mary’s Stroke Coordinator Joanne Lockamy at 706.389.2153 so that organizers will know to expect you and if you have any special needs.

Jacobs and his wife, Desiree, have made raising stroke awareness their mission. On Nov. 14, 2001, at a routine practice following a hard-fought Auburn game, David took a hit that left him weak, with tingling on the right side of his body. A few minutes later, while trainers checked him out, he stopped breathing. They revived him and rushed him to St. Mary’s, where a CT scan showed damage to a blood vessel in his neck. A blood clot had formed, broken free, and lodged inside another blood vessel in his brain.

David made a dramatic recovery thanks to the trainers’ fast action and expert care at St. Mary’s, Emory, and a rehabilitation center in Atlanta. David then did extensive rehab with the UGAA Sports Medicine team, throwing himself into his recovery with the same determination he had shown on the gridiron. Today, he is an account manager with Academy Mortgage Corp., in Atlanta, and he and Desiree have two sons, David and Dawson.

“Ever since my stroke, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to let more people know about stroke,” Jacobs said.  “This race is an important part of that. I’m really grateful to everyone who has helped me, especially Coach Richt and his staff. The most important message for me is that people should be aware of the signs of stroke. It can happen to anyone, at any time or age, and getting help fast can make a big difference.”

Stroke happens when a blood clot or torn blood vessel interrupts the flow of blood to part of the brain. Most strokes are caused by blood clots and could be prevented with lifestyle changes that improve heart and blood vessel health, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, management of diabetes, reducing high blood pressure, and not smoking. Symptoms arise suddenly and include trouble walking, talking, seeing, or thinking. Some strokes also may include a terrible headache. Symptoms may be especially severe on one side of the body.

Fast access to care at certified stroke centers such as St. Mary’s can stop some strokes before they cause permanent damage. If you suspect stroke, call 911 immediately. 

St. Mary’s has earned the American Stroke Association Gold Plus Award for stroke care five years in a row, and is ranked by Healthgrades among the top 5 percent of hospitals in America for stroke care. For more information about St. Mary’s stroke services, visit www.stmarysathens.org.