Geneva and Mumbai | 24 February 2011 – Rani Mukerjee, Indian film actress and Bollywood celebrity, has joined the “1 in 6” campaign as goodwill ambassador of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA) and the World Stroke Organization (WSO). The campaign underscores the vital importance of learning the facts about stroke. One in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Dr. Shirish Hastak, president of the Indian Stroke Association proudly announced the acceptance of Ms. Mukerjee to become the first “official national stroke ambassador” in India. She has committed the next three years to being the voice for stroke in India. As a first step in pledging her support and in contributing towards awareness and treatment of stroke across India, the actress has established the Rani Mukerjee Stroke Treatment Fund in collaboration with the Indian Stroke Association. The actress’ charity fund will initially be used to treat 25 stroke survivors who are unable to afford the necessary treatment.
The Rotary Club of Bombay Worli will also be setting up the Rani Mukerjee Awareness Fund. Contributions received by the Fund will be used towards national stroke awareness activities.
Rani Mukerjee won the Best Actress and the Best Supporting Actress Awards at the Filmfare Awards Ceremony in 2004 for her roles in Hum Tum and in the critically acclaimed film Yuva, making her the first actress to win two major awards in the same year.
“We are truly feeling very privileged and honored to have Rani with us in this important public health campaign. We hope that her commitment and dedication to the fight against stroke will serve as an inspiration to many others” said WSO president Bo Norrving. Her very important place within Hindi cinema assures us that her message of hope and courage will be heard and acted on by millions of people who respect her as an actress and a selfless celebrity, adds Campaign chair Markku Kaste.
The 2010 to 2012 World Stroke Campaign, “1 in 6” aims to disseminate essential life-saving information and share knowledge about actions and lifestyle behaviors that could avert the assault of stroke. Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in India and the third largest cause of death worldwide.
The actress cited two of her close family members’ recent stroke attacks as an impetus for her to join the cause. “In our country stroke is the third largest killer and is also, the leading cause of adult disability. It will be my privilege to support the ISA in its pioneering efforts towards awareness, diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition,” underscores Mukerjee.
About the World Stroke Organization – The World Stroke Organization (WSO) was established in October 2006. Its mission is to provide access to stroke care, promote research and knowledge by (1) promoting prevention and care for persons with stroke and vascular dementia; (2) fostering the best standards of practice; (3) educating, in collaboration with other international, public, and private organizations; and (4) facilitating clinical research. With individual and organizational members worldwide, WSO is the global voice for stroke. WSO is an international NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Contact:
JJ Divino
Campaigns and Communications
World Stroke Organization
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 906 9123
Mobile: +44 789 461 7320
Email: campaigns@world-stroke.org
