Rataiczak up for National Honor
Vote for 2026 American Stroke Association Voters’ Choice Hero Award through March 18
By Bruce Yarnall, Barnesville Area News
John Rataiczak wears many hats…Barnesville bank manager, Barnesville Chamber president, official voice of the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, village council member and historic preservation advocate and longtime co-chair of the Ohio Valley Heart Ball along with his lovely wife, Melissa.
The Heart Association, sponsor of the Heart Ball, has nominated the Morristown resident for the 2026 American Stroke Association Voters’ Choice Hero award.
Not surprisingly, he is one of nine finalists for the national honor! Other nominees are from San Antonio Texas, Oregon, Arizona, Iowa, Washington, Alabama, Arizona and Toledo, Ohio.
Sharing his and Melissa’s story, John said, “We certainly never expected to be on the journey we are on. We share our story as we realize that if this could have happened to us, it could happen to anyone”.
“Melissa was healthy, ate healthy, exercised, and was essentially doing everything right, but it still happened to her. We are in this together”.
When Melissa, showed F.A.S.T. signs — facial drooping, arm weakness and slurred speech — at a picnic, John acted fast. That speed helped ensure timely, lifesaving care and a strong recovery. John was prepared and steady; he was the hero Melissa needed when every second counted, the Heart Association release shared.
“We immediately went to Barnesville Hospital, followed by a week at Riverside Neurological Hospital, followed by three weeks at Mt. Carmel Stroke Rehabilitation Center. Once we were home, she continued her therapy at Barnesville Hospital,” John said.
Today, the two share their story through outreach, reminding others that knowing the warning signs changes lives.
And now, this is where you can help John win this award.
You can vote for John exclusively online through 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18th. Individuals 18 and older will be able to vote once each 24 hours using a valid email address. Vote for John at this link – http://spr.ly/6183hAsBt
Never failing to share his knowledge with others, Rataiczak added, “It’s important for EVERYONE to know the signs of a stroke so they can take action quickly.”
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