… occupational therapy at the MGH Institute. Erler discussed Stroke Awareness Month that occurs each May. Q: Why is stroke awareness so important? Almost 800,000 people … the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Stroke awareness is crucial for several reasons, primarily because it significantly impacts early detection, … can result in more severe disability or even death. In my clinical practice, I’ve seen stroke survivors whose loved ones recognized they were having a stroke and …