The Denman resident, and husband Stephen, was invited to address the launch of the latest Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management, to mark National Stroke Week, at Parliament House, Canberra, on Monday.

The function, which highlighted new innovations in stroke treatment and best practice stroke care, also featured Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare Catherine King, and Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Sharon McGowan.

And, Mrs Ward made every post a winner, according to Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon.

“There’s nothing more daunting than that [talking in Parliament],” he said.

“However, she spoke off-the-cuff.

“Tracy delivered a powerful speech in Canberra’s Parliament House and in front of senior politicians.

“In doing so, she showed amazing courage and did a great service to all those who live in rural and regional Australia where stroke victims too often have to deal with the additional challenges posed by relative isolation.

“The power of Tracy and Stephen’s courage, determination and tenacity brought tears to the eyes of battle-hardened politicians.

“As their local member, I was very proud of them both.”

This National Stroke Week, the Stroke Foundation is aiming to ensure every Australian household has someone who knows the signs of stroke and to call Triple Zero (000).

Share the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke with your friends, family and colleagues - the life you save could be your own.

Just by knowing it makes you part of the F.A.S.T. Response Team:

* Face - Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

* Arms - Can they lift both arms?

* Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

* Time - Time is critical. If you see any of these symptoms Act FAST and call 000

Time is critical in treating stroke. 

Paramedics, nurses and doctors can only help if you join the FAST Response Team and dial 000 at the first sign of stroke.