National stroke support groups honor the late Shelia Ross on World Stroke Day
The Comprehensive Stroke Center, to which the late Shelia Ross dedicated her energy, knowledge and passion, received a plaque recognizing her numerous contributions to raising awareness and improving stroke care.
By Michelle Ryan
mryan@health.southalabama.edu
The late Shelia Ross, DNP, former comprehensive stroke director for USA Health, recently received a fitting memorial from two national stroke groups whose missions are, in part, to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of stroke.
On World Stroke Day, Oct. 29, the National Stroke Coordinator Group and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association presented a plaque in her honor during a special ceremony that was attended by administrators, physicians and colleagues, and members of Ross’ family, including her husband, Jay, and one of her daughters, Miranda Tidikis.
Members of the Comprehensive Stroke Center, to which Ross dedicated her energy, knowledge and passion, received a plaque recognizing her numerous contributions to raising awareness and improving stroke care.
Heather Sudduth, president of the National Stroke Coordinators and coordinator of neuroscience programs at Singing River Health System in Mississippi, has mentored stroke coordinators throughout the Southeast for the last 20 years. Not having a mentor herself, she considered Ross hers.
“Shelia was my person,” Sudduth said, choking back tears at the ceremony. “She was somebody that I could go to, to bounce things off of. She was the closest person in longevity to being a stroke coordinator as I was.”
Three years ago, Sudduth helped establish the Southeast Stroke Coordinators Network to provide support and resources to her peers. In that time, the group grew from 18 to more than 350, and it is now a national organization. At the group’s meeting in September – just two weeks after Ross’ passing – a moment of silence was held.
“We wanted to reflect on Shelia’s passion for the stroke world, we wanted to reflect on the passions Shelia had for the stroke survivors that she cared for,” Sudduth said.
Additionally, the group made donations totaling more than $600 in memory of their colleague, which Sudduth presented to Kristen Isom, director of healthcare quality with the American Stroke Association on behalf of the stroke coordinator’s network.
During the ceremony, Isom also recognized Ross’ diligence in addressing problems, meeting the highest standards, and advocating for her team and her patients.
“She singlehandedly, on her own shoulders, carried the weight of this team and this program,” Isom said. “She was a fearless leader for you all.”
Isom remembered Ross often calling – not emailing or texting – her to get any problems fixed as soon as possible, and encouraged Emily Dahlmann, the new stroke coordinator for USA Health University Hospital, to follow suit.
On behalf of the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, Isom presented Dahlmann a plaque to honor Ross’ contributions.
“We too want to recognize all that Shelia has done for the stroke world and for the patients in this community,” Isom said. “Not only that, but also for the things that she shared in our stroke coordinators groups and just the wisdom that she imparted to you all and your patients.”
In accepting the plaque, Dahlmann said the loss has been palpable, but it has strengthened their commitment to stroke education and care. “I know that everybody here is committed to continuing her legacy of providing high quality care to our patients,” she said.
Ross died on Sept. 13, 2024, after battling cancer. During her tenure, USA Health University Hospital was recognized annually with national awards and achievements related to the stroke program she helped build. Even during treatment, she continued to make TV appearances to educate others about the warning signs of stroke and when to seek care.
