The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has announced the recipients of the 2026 Stroke Hero Awards, honoring seven survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, and community organizations whose actions are redefining life after stroke. Recognized during American Stroke Month, the awards highlight real-world efforts that help survivors and caregivers navigate recovery through connection, education, and shared experience.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., and for many survivors and families, the hard work begins once the hospital stay ends. According to the American Stroke Association, life after a stroke often means navigating lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges (www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke). This year’s Stroke Heroes show how personal experience can become a source of strength for others.
The winners include Caregiver Hero Felicia Veasey of Summerville, South Carolina, who rearranged her life to become her mother’s full-time caregiver after a second stroke. She coordinated a public webinar, Empowered Minds and Hearts, focusing on caregiver mental health and well-being. Community Impact Hero Lamont Causey of Detroit, who regained function and mobility after a 2019 stroke, now shares his story to educate and encourage survivors and caregivers, particularly in under-resourced communities.
B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero Nasheel Joules of McKinney, Texas, recognized the signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) in her husband and called 911 immediately, leading to prompt evaluation. She and her husband raise funds for the Association through an annual Christmas light display and work with local officials to support rapid emergency response. Group Heroes The Aphasia Recovery Connection, based in Leland, North Carolina, connects people with aphasia to free support and education, serving over 20,000 members and subscribers.
Pediatric Hero Marina Ganetsky of Needham, Massachusetts, suffered a ruptured AVM causing multiple strokes at age 10. Now 15, she speaks at national conferences and wrote a book for children facing strokes and brain injuries. Survivor Hero Gabriela Raso of Missouri City, Texas, a physician, insisted on a CT scan after an ischemic stroke that ER doctors initially missed. She co-founded The Stroke Foundation to advocate for expanded access to therapies and resources. Voters’ Choice Hero Stacie Barber of Peoria, Arizona, a physical therapist, guided her husband Logan’s recovery from a large bleeding stroke, sharing their journey with over one million social media followers.
"Stroke can happen at any age, and recovery looks different for every person. The Stroke Hero Awards recognize the many ways individuals and communities are supporting survivors and caregivers through connection, advocacy, and shared experiences," the American Stroke Association stated. Winners were selected by a nationwide panel of volunteer judges, except for the Voters’ Choice Award, which was determined by online popular vote. For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards.
