Champion Wrestler Bret Hart to help Canadians "Survive and Thrive" after stroke

 TORONTO, May 28 /CNW/ - March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is thrilled to
welcome legendary Canadian wrestler Bret Hart as the new spokesperson of its
Stroke Recovery Canada program.
    Known to many Canadians as Bret "The Hitman" Hart, the champion wrestler
was born in Calgary, Alberta into a wrestling dynasty led by his father, Stu
Hart. His seven brothers were either wrestlers or involved backstage with the
wrestling business; his four sisters all married professional wrestlers.
    Hart won numerous championships in his over 20-year wrestling career but
his greatest victory has been his triumph over a devastating stroke in 2002.
The stroke caused partial paralysis requiring months of physical therapy, but
Hart made a successful recovery. He has since starred in a touring production
of Aladdin, and has continued his support of athletics in Calgary.
    "We couldn't be more excited to have Bret Hart on board as our
spokesperson," says Kimberley Dowds, Associate Director of National Programs
for March of Dimes Canada. "Mr. Hart exemplifies what it means to survive and
thrive after a stroke, and is a true inspiration to all stroke survivors."
    There are over 300,000 stroke survivors in Canada, and every year another
50,000 join their ranks.
    "I jumped at the chance to be a part of Stroke Recovery Canada," says
Hart. "I want to help March of Dimes Canada in its efforts to support stroke
recovery and improve the quality of life of all Canadian stroke survivors."
    Mr. Hart will be helping Stroke Recovery Canada in its mission to educate
Canadian stroke survivors how to "Survive and Thrive" after a stroke. He will
also help out at March of Dimes Canada events when his schedule allows.
    Stroke Recovery Canada(TM), a program of March of Dimes Canada, is a
national service offering post-recovery support, education and programs for
stroke survivors, their families and health care providers. Through its work
with local peer support groups across the country, Stroke Recovery Canada(TM)
provides Canadians with the resources needed to help Canadians survive and
thrive after stroke.
    With May designated as Stroke Recovery Awareness Month, Stroke Recovery
Canada has increased its efforts to educate the public about stroke recovery.
    For information or to join Stroke Recovery Canada call 1-888-540-6666 or
visit the Stroke Recovery Canada website at www.strokerecoverycanada.com. 

    March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization
providing support services to people with disabilities, their families and
caregivers across Canada.

For further information: Ruth Kapelus, Public Relations Coordinator,
March of Dimes Canada, 10 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON, M4H 1A4, Phone: (416)
425-3463 ext. 7254, Toll Free: 1-800-263-3463 ext. 7254, Fax: (416) 425-1920,
[email protected], www.marchofdimes.ca