RayAsta’s stroke awareness campaign makes symbolic launch St Mary’s Academy

The RayAsta Foundation kicked off its Stroke Awareness School Initiative today, beginning with a heartfelt visit to St. Mary’s Academy— the place where, its namesake, Raymond Astaphan’s journey started.

This first stop held deep significance, as it honors the memory of Raymond, in whose name the Foundation was established. For the Foundation and everyone who knew him, choosing St. Mary’s Academy for the campaign’s launch was not merely symbolic but a profoundly personal gesture, said the group in a press release.

It went on to explain that St. Mary’s Academy was instrumental in shaping Raymond’s character, aspirations, friendships, and core values. According to the team, returning to the school to educate students about the risks and early warning signs of stroke served as a genuine tribute to his legacy.

The Foundation stated that its prior donations to St. Mary’s Academy underscore its enduring commitment to the students, their families, and the wider community that contributed to the person Raymond became.

“Starting this campaign at Raymond’s school is deeply emotional for me,” said Jennifer Astaphan, Raymond’s mother.
“This is where his dreams began, and it means everything to see his memory living on through education and community service. If this campaign helps even one family recognize the signs of stroke and seek help in time, then Raymond’s legacy continues to save lives.”

During the visit, students and faculty reportedly engaged in an interactive session that covered what a stroke is, how to recognize its early symptoms, the major risk factors involved, and the importance of swift medical intervention—highlighting that awareness and rapid response are important tools in safeguarding loved ones and minimizing the devastating effects of stroke.

The Stroke Awareness School Campaign is set to expand across Dominica in the upcoming weeks. Future visits are scheduled for Convent High School, Pierre Charles Secondary School, and Portsmouth Secondary School, as the Foundation broadens its outreach to students, educators, and families throughout the island.

The RayAsta Foundation said it remains committed to fostering health education, raising community awareness, and empowering more residents of Dominica to identify stroke signs early and respond swiftly when it matters most.