Henry Gluck, a businessman and philanthropist, was captivated by a story of medical innovation. It detailed a patient suffering a hemorrhagic stroke, a dangerous bleed in the brain, and the swift response of a specialized ambulance. This wasn’t just any ambulance; it was equipped with a compact CT scanner and staffed by experts trained to handle cerebrovascular emergencies. The team’s rapid assessment and on-the-spot preparation, including IV insertion and contrast administration, were crucial. Every minute lost during a stroke means an average of 2 million brain cells die, potentially leading to permanent disability, brain damage, or death. This stark reality underscored the urgency and significance of immediate stroke intervention.
Gluck also watched a video showcasing a life-saving procedure for an ischemic stroke, caused by a clot. The outcome was, in his words, “near miraculous.” He vividly recalls the moment the patient regained consciousness and started speaking post-procedure, triggering spontaneous applause. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a rapid-response stroke unit left an indelible mark on Gluck. “How can I not support this?” he stated, his conviction unwavering.
When UCLA Health approached Gluck about a foundational gift to establish such a program, he consulted his family – his late wife, Arline, their daughter, Tracey, and son, Ron. The family’s decision was swift and unified. “We were already involved in so many causes,” Gluck recounted. “But I said to them, ‘The stroke thing is different. We are going to be involved in something with the knowledge of it saving lives every day.’ I explained to them the emotional significance, and that if someone is suffering from a stroke and they call 911 we go there even if they are on the street.”
This marked the inception of the Arline and Henry Gluck Stroke Rescue Program at UCLA in 2017, the first of its kind in California. For the Gluck family, this wasn’t just philanthropy; it was a personal mission to combat the devastating effects of stroke, a condition that can profoundly impact families. Their commitment highlights the vital role of family in supporting stroke awareness and improving patient outcomes. The program embodies the essence of “Family Stroke” care, extending beyond the individual patient to encompass the well-being of families affected by this critical health issue.
Today, hardly a week passes without someone mentioning the program’s mobile stroke unit to Gluck, who is the founding and current chair of the UCLA Health System Board. “Every time somebody tells me that, I know that there’s a life that’s being saved,” he says. “My family and I will never know who, and we will never see the results, but we’ll know it’s making a difference. It gives me and my family a lot of joy because our name is on that vehicle,” Gluck shares, reflecting on his wife’s enduring pride in the program.
Tracey Gluck, managing director of the Gluck Group for J.P. Morgan, emphasizes that the program’s impact extends beyond saving lives to preserving quality of life. Rapid intervention minimizes the risks of paralysis, brain damage, and speech impairments, common and devastating consequences of stroke. “To see a patient receive treatment within minutes is amazing,” Tracey states. She describes scenarios where patients with limited mobility regain arm movement after treatment initiated in the mobile stroke unit and further intervention at the hospital to remove clots. This rapid response is crucial in mitigating the long-term impact of stroke on individuals and their families.
Henry Gluck, former CEO of Caesars World, speaks passionately about stroke statistics, particularly the staggering fact that one in four Americans will experience a stroke in their lifetime. “That is huge,” he emphasizes. “That’s an incredible statistic.” This prevalence underscores the widespread impact of stroke, making it a significant “family stroke” issue affecting communities across the nation.
“My mission, before I write the final chapter, is to blanket the city with these specialized stroke units.”
Stroke is not just a statistic for the Gluck family; it’s a deeply personal experience. In 1969, Gluck’s father passed away at 70 due to a series of strokes. “We lost him relatively early — they didn’t know much in those days,” Gluck, now 96, reflects. He notes the exponential advancements in medicine, contrasting past limitations with today’s sophisticated treatments, medications, and lifestyle education aimed at stroke prevention. This personal history fuels the Gluck family’s dedication to stroke care and awareness.
Both Henry and Tracey Gluck actively promote stroke awareness, making the stroke program an integral part of their lives. In May 2023, during National Stroke Awareness Month, they were honored to throw the first pitch at a Dodger Stadium game. The UCLA mobile stroke unit was also present, drawing significant attention. “People were enamored with it,” Tracey recalls. “They’d never seen anything like this.” She excitedly adds that the program is expanding with two more units on the horizon, further extending their reach and impact in combating “family stroke” emergencies.
Philanthropy remains crucial for the UCLA Arline and Henry Gluck Stroke Rescue Program’s continued success and expansion. The Glucks are actively involved in recruiting new donors and navigating regulatory challenges to further their mission. Henry Gluck reiterates his ambitious goal: “My mission, before I write the final chapter, is to blanket the city with these specialized stroke units,” particularly targeting underserved communities with higher stroke prevalence. Tracey Gluck concludes, “I know that my involvement is helping save lives today, tomorrow, the next day. It doesn’t matter what time or what day of the week, it’s about helping people, and that’s a great feeling to have.” Their unwavering commitment exemplifies the profound impact a family can have in addressing the critical issue of “family stroke” and transforming stroke care.
