American Stroke Association Honors Seven Heroes Redefining Post-Stroke Life

DALLAS — Stroke remains a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S., but for many survivors and caregivers, the journey of recovery is being redefined through connection, advocacy, and shared experience. This May, during American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association (a division of the American Heart Association) is honoring seven Stroke Heroes whose remarkable efforts are transforming what life after stroke can look like. The Stroke Hero Awards recognize survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations that provide critical support to those affected by stroke. From caring for a loved one to reducing isolation, these heroes turn personal challenges into sources of strength for others.

Among the winners are individuals and groups who embody resilience and innovation. The Caregiver Hero, Felicia Veasey of Summerville, South Carolina, became a full-time caregiver for her mother after a second stroke and organized a public webinar on caregiver mental health. Lamont Causey, the Community Impact Hero from Detroit, regained his ability to speak, swallow, and walk after a 2019 stroke and now educates under-resourced communities. Nasheel Joules, the B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero from McKinney, Texas, recognized her husband's stroke symptoms and called 911, leading to prompt treatment; she now raises funds for stroke awareness. The Group Heroes award goes to The Aphasia Recovery Connection, which serves over 20,000 members with aphasia—a common post-stroke condition affecting speech and language—providing free support and education. Marina Ganetsky, the Pediatric Hero from Needham, Massachusetts, suffered multiple strokes at age 10 due to a ruptured AVM; now 15, she speaks at conferences and has written a book for children with brain injuries. Gabriela Raso, the Survivor Hero from Missouri City, Texas, is a physician who insisted on a CT scan that confirmed her stroke; she co-founded The Stroke Foundation to improve access to therapies. Stacie Barber, the Voters’ Choice Hero from Peoria, Arizona, documented her husband's recovery from a massive stroke on social media, inspiring over 1 million followers.

These stories highlight the diverse ways individuals and communities are making a difference. The American Stroke Association invites everyone to learn more at Stroke.org/HeroAwards. For media inquiries, contact Darcy Wallace at 303-801-4683 or Darcy.Wallace@heart.org. The original release is available on NEWMEDIAWIRE.