First grade students at Gilmore Fine Arts School in Racine were honored on June 3, 2025 as “Stroke Superheroes” for their quick thinking and courageous actions that helped save their teacher’s life during a medical emergency in the classroom.
Wearing superhero masks to mark the occasion, the students were recognized alongside school staff, first responders, and Ascension Wisconsin clinical care teams for their vital roles in the swift, life-saving response on May 6, when first grade teacher Angela Zurawski experienced a stroke during a class lesson. The children quickly alerted nearby adults, setting in motion a coordinated effort that ultimately saved her life. “The bravery of these young students, the quick action by the Gilmore staff, and the dedicated efforts of emergency responders and Ascension’s clinical teams all played a critical role in saving a life,” said Hollie Landreman, RN, Stroke Coordinator at Ascension All Saints Hospital, during the ceremony.
A Full Circle of Care and Coordination
After being alerted by the students, Gilmore staff immediately called 911. The Racine Fire Department arrived within minutes, quickly assessed Ms. Zurawski’s symptoms, and alerted the Emergency Department at Ascension All Saints Hospital of a possible stroke. Upon arrival, the ER team, including nurses, technicians, and physicians began immediate stroke assessment and treatment. Thanks to their rapid response, Ms. Zurawski received thrombolytic medication within 35 minutes of her arrival.
She was then transported by Flight for Life to Ascension's Comprehensive Stroke Center at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee Campus, where she underwent a successful mechanical thrombectomy to remove the blood clot causing the stroke. Ms. Zurawski was out of surgery and in recovery by the time her husband arrived at the hospital, only three and a half hours after collapsing. Just two days after the incident, she was released from the hospital with no lasting effects and has since returned to teaching. “Thanks to advancements in stroke care—and the incredible teamwork, professionalism, and commitment to excellence across every step of the response—we were able to achieve a life-saving outcome,” said Dr. Adam Wallace, neurointerventional surgeon at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee Campus, who performed the thrombectomy. “This is a powerful example of what’s possible when every part of the care continuum works seamlessly together.”
“I Have a Whole Roomful of Angels”
At the recognition event, Ms. Zurawski shared an emotional message of gratitude. “People say they have an angel looking out for them. I have a whole roomful—from my brave first graders to the school staff, the paramedics, and all the doctors and clinical staff. From the ER at Ascension All Saints to the surgical team at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s—you saved my life, and I can't thank you enough.”
Honoring Excellence and Teamwork
To celebrate the extraordinary collaboration that led to this outcome, Ascension Wisconsin presented Challenge Coins to the first graders, first responders, and emergency clinicians involved. The Challenge Coin is a symbol of excellence and teamwork, awarded to those who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional patient care.
After receiving their Certificates of Achievement, the students got a special treat, an up-close look at a Racine Fire Department engine and a Flight for Life helicopter.
This event not only celebrated individual heroism but also highlighted the importance of collaboration across community, emergency, and healthcare systems in achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.
This story was featured on CBS58. You can watch the story here.
