Kelly Trynosky was covered in red balloons. Cesar Velasco wore a sparkly gold jacket and visor.

Together, the two team members recently roamed the hallways of WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital as part of a program called “Clots and Coffee,” designed to raise awareness about stroke symptoms and treatment during Stroke Awareness Month.

Kelly, director of clinical services, was dressed in a red visor and body full of balloons to simulate a blood clot, which often causes a stroke. Cesar, stroke program coordinator, wore his shiny jacket and visor to represent the “gold standard” for stroke treatment, a drug called Tenecteplase (“Call me TNK,” he told folks, smiling.)

The two pushed a cart with coffee and doughnut holes, gave impromptu pop quizzes and handed out prizes (tickets to Stormer baseball games in Lancaster) in departments across the hospital.

There was a lot of laughter and fun. But also a lot of learning.

The main message the pair shared was “BE FAST,” the acronym about stroke symptoms and response. B is for balance issues; E is for eyesight changes; F is for facial droop; A is for arm weakness; S is for speech difficulty; and T is for time, which is essential after a stroke. Do not wait to call 911 if you see these symptoms.