The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has announced the seven recipients of its 2026 Stroke Hero Awards, honoring survivors, caregivers, health care professionals and community organizations whose actions are redefining what life after stroke can look like. Recognized each May during American Stroke Month, the awards spotlight 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 life after a stroke often means navigating lasting physical, emotional and cognitive challenges. This year's Stroke Heroes show how personal experience can become a source of strength for others, whether caring for a loved one, reducing isolation or helping fellow survivors and caregivers find a path forward.
The winners include Felicia Veasey of Summerville, South Carolina, honored as Caregiver Hero for rearranging her life to care for her mother after a second stroke and creating a public webinar on caregiver mental health. Lamont Causey of Detroit, the Community Impact Hero, regained his ability to speak, swallow and walk after a 2019 stroke and now shares his story to support survivors in under-resourced communities. Nasheel Joules of McKinney, Texas, recognized as B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero, called 911 when her husband showed signs of a transient ischemic attack and now raises funds for stroke awareness through an annual Christmas light display.
The Aphasia Recovery Connection in Leland, North Carolina, named Group Hero, connects over 20,000 members with aphasia to free support and education. Pediatric Hero Marina Ganetsky of Needham, Massachusetts, now 15, suffered multiple strokes at age 10 from a ruptured AVM and has written a book for children with brain injuries. Gabriela Raso of Missouri City, Texas, a Survivor Hero, co-founded The Stroke Foundation after advocating for her own stroke diagnosis. Stacie Barber of Peoria, Arizona, chosen as Voters' Choice Hero, used her expertise as a physical therapist to guide her husband's recovery from a large bleeding stroke and shares their journey with over 1 million social media followers.
Winners were selected by a national panel of volunteer judges, except for the Voters' Choice Award determined by online popular vote. For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards. Additional resources, including photos and a Spanish news release, are available on the American Stroke Association's newsroom. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, works to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research and providing lifesaving resources.
