RMC's Stroke Month activities a Swift success
The Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl journey was accompanied by a unique supporter: a Taylor Swift cardboard cutout at RMC's Stroke Office. This creative initiative utilized Swift-themed activities like "Strokie" bracelets and BE FAST cookies to educate about stroke symptoms, successfully engaging doctors, staff, and visitors in learning while having fun.
After the Kansas City Chiefs boarded a plane for the Super Bowl, RMC’s Stroke Office was joined by the city’s favorite Chiefs +1, Taylor Swift. Well…a full-size cut-out of Swift.
The cardboard cutout, adorned with a “BE FAST” sash, was created to educate patients and staff about the signs and symptoms of stroke. It also served as a Swiftie-themed Easter egg for activities planned for National Stroke Awareness Month in May.
“We try to create activities that grab attention and teach others about stroke recognition and prevention,” said Jana Braklow, RMC stroke coordinator. “With all the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce hoopla this year, we thought Swift-themed activities might be a fun way to talk about stroke symptom recognition and risk factors.”
And it did. Jana said many doctors, staff, and visitors stopped by their 7th floor office to take selfies with the cutout. But only on one condition: They had to learn about stroke signs and symptoms before taking photos.
Some of the successful Swift-themed Stroke Month activities included:
- “Strokie” friendship bracelets. The beads of these colorful bracelets spelled out “BE FAST” and were available to staff, patients and family members.
- BE FAST cookies. Staff enjoyed pastel frosted cookies decorated with stroke signs and symptom acronyms.
- Golden “Lobe” Awards. Fashioned from a soda bottle topped with golden brains, these awards are bestowed on staff who recognize a stroke and activate a code stroke to get patients time-critical treatment.
- Taylor Swift poster challenge. Infused with Swift’s song lyrics and stroke messaging, various posters were hidden throughout the hospital. Those who found all posters were entered to win one of five “Swiftie” baskets featuring Swift and BE FAST-inspired gifts.
How successful were these activities? Jana reports that she continues making bracelets today as staff and patients are still requesting them. With the help of these bracelets and activities, the RMC stroke team is making sure more patients and staff are…ready For It.