Texas Roadhouse Hosts Fundraiser to Remember Stroke Victim

Amidst the sights and sounds of country music, sports on TV and platters of baby back ribs, Ronald J. Jensen was on the minds of family, friends and patrons of on Nov. 15.

Jensen, 60, of Bellmore died suddenly of a massive stroke in August. His death has spurred his family into action to raise money for the National Stroke Association (NSA), which promotes awareness of risk factors and treatments for stroke victims.

"He was very into sharing and raising awareness for anything...he was always giving to charities," says John Jensen, Ronald's son. "We felt this was something he would do...bring family and friends together."

They came together at the Texas Roadhouse and held a raffle, with proceeds going directly to the NSA. The East Meadow restaurant is doing its part too, with 10 percent of all sales on that night, be it food, alcohol or takeout, going to the NSA as well.

The event was the idea of family friend Melissa Meli, who works in the offices of Texas Roadhouse.  She says the fact that his funeral had a line of well-wishers out the door made organizing the event a no-brainer.

"He would have been happy on a happier occasion to have everyone here, eating and drinking and just having a good time...people loved him, just like we did [too]," Meli says, adding that she had seen Ronald the day before his stroke.

John says one morning last summer, his father was talking with his wife in their kitchen, and in mid-sentence, collapsed.  John's mother screamed for his son to help, and in the few seconds it took him to spring into action, Ronald was already paralyzed on half his body, and unable to speak.

Two of the main cerebral arteries in Ronald's brain were clogged, and the swelling never went down.  He passed away five days later.

"It still stings," John says.

There were no warning signs, his family says, as Ronald seemed to be a healthy man.  He was a Vietnam vet and former corrections officer.  They do say a dye test, which detects a blocked artery, can aid in prevention, and that regular checkups and living a healthy lifestyle are the best defense in avoiding strokes.

On this night, folks came to the Texas Roadhouse, and while stepping on discarded peanut shells, they stepped on over to the raffle table, where they could win anything from Islanders tickets to a Coach bag, or cash.  The fundraiser was held on the three month anniversary of Ronald's death, and his family appreciates the support and efforts of those who put the fundraiser together.

"It's nice to know that those my father has touched care that much to want to help us get through this time, that's really been our backbone," John says.

To learn more about Ronald Jensen, and how to donate money to the National Stroke Association, go to www.stroke.org/goto/ronjensen.