Tedy’s Team started in 2005, after Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke at the age of 31. Tedy was in the prime of his life, he had just won his 3rd Super Bowl as a member of the New England Patriots and just returned from his first Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
Tedy and his wife, Heidi, did not know the warning signs of stroke and were unaware his symptoms were stroke related. During his recovery, Tedy and Heidi approached the American Stroke Association to support them in their creation of Tedy’s Team.
When Tedy’s Team was formed, the main goal was to raise awareness of stroke and its warning signs, and to break the stigma of who can have a stroke. Once Tedy secured five Boston Marathon bibs from the Boston Athletic Association, as a member of their charity program, it quickly grew into an endurance training team.
Fast-forward 14 years, with over 1,600 alumni, and numerous Boston Marathons, and Tedy’s Team has raised over $6 million to support more awareness of stroke and heart disease, and fund life-saving research.
Last November, Tedy’s Team became its own Massachusetts based 501c3. Tedy and Heidi are excited to bring new life to what Tedy’s Team is all about. Tedy’s Team has a history of participating in some of the world’s leading running events, helping people live healthier lives through training for all types of races, while giving caregivers an outlet and survivors a chance for their own comeback, just like Tedy.
On October 30, 2005, Tedy made his return to Gillette Stadium, but the journey to get there was tough. Tedy was fortunate enough to have a great support system and amazing opportunities throughout his recovery, but not everyone is that lucky. Through our new Comeback Assistance Program (CAP), Tedy’s Team will now have the opportunity to assist and support survivors and caregivers on their personal comeback journeys.
Tedy was a champion on the field and he continues to be one off the field, alongside Heidi, through their work on Tedy’s Team. When Tedy suffered a mini-stroke, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), on July 4th of this year, they immediately recognized the symptoms this time and called 9-1-1, which helped him get the emergency care that he needed, as quickly as possible. Tedy overcame great odds in his football career, and now in his personal encounters with stroke, and he is striving to help others do the same.
Always remember the warning signs of stroke: B.E. F.A.S.T.: Balance Difficulties, Eyesight Changes, Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty all equal Time to call 9-1-1.
Officially qualified participants who are already entered in the 127th Boston Marathon that wish to raise funds for Tedy's Team may still do so using the learn more button below.