The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has announced the seven recipients of the 2026 Stroke Hero Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose actions are helping redefine what life after stroke can look like. Recognized annually during American Stroke Month, the awards spotlight survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, and community organizations that support people affected by stroke through connection, education, and shared experience.
Life after a stroke often involves navigating lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges, as detailed on the American Stroke Association's website (www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke). This year's honorees demonstrate how personal experience can become a source of strength for others, whether through caregiving, reducing isolation, or helping fellow survivors find a path forward.
The winners include Felicia Veasey of Summerville, South Carolina, recognized as Caregiver Hero for rearranging her life to become her mother's full-time caregiver after a second stroke and creating a public webinar on caregiver mental health. Lamont Causey of Detroit, the Community Impact Hero, overcame his own severe stroke to share his story in under-resourced communities. Nasheel Joules of McKinney, Texas, honored as B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero, recognized stroke symptoms in her husband and called 911 immediately, leading to prompt treatment; she now raises funds and advocates for rapid emergency response.
The Aphasia Recovery Connection in Leland, North Carolina, received the Group Heroes award for providing free aphasia support and education to over 20,000 members. Marina Ganetsky of Needham, Massachusetts, the Pediatric Hero, survived multiple strokes from a ruptured AVM at age 10 and now speaks at conferences and wrote a book for children with brain injuries. Gabriela Raso of Missouri City, Texas, the Survivor Hero, a physician who insisted on a CT scan that confirmed her stroke, co-founded The Stroke Foundation to expand access to therapies. Stacie Barber of Peoria, Arizona, the Voters' Choice Hero, refused to accept her husband's dire prognosis after a large bleeding stroke, guided his recovery, and shares their journey with over 1 million social media followers.
Winners were selected by a panel of volunteer judges from the American Stroke Association, except for the Voters' Choice Award, determined by online popular vote. For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards. The awards highlight that stroke can happen at any age and recovery looks different for every person, emphasizing the role of connection, advocacy, and shared experiences in supporting survivors and caregivers.
