The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has announced the seven recipients of the 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 for many survivors and families, the hard work begins once the hospital stay ends. 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, named Caregiver Hero for rearranging her life to become her mother's full-time caregiver after a second stroke and coordinating 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 educate and support survivors in under-resourced communities. Nasheel Joules of McKinney, Texas, received the B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero award for recognizing her husband's stroke symptoms and calling 911 immediately, then raising funds and working with local officials to improve emergency response.
The Aphasia Recovery Connection, based in Leland, North Carolina, was named Group Hero for connecting over 20,000 members with aphasia to free support and education. Marina Ganetsky of Needham, Massachusetts, the Pediatric Hero, suffered multiple strokes at age 10 due to a ruptured AVM and now speaks at conferences and has written a book for children with brain injuries. Gabriela Raso of Missouri City, Texas, the Survivor Hero, insisted on a CT scan that confirmed her stroke and later co-founded The Stroke Foundation to expand access to therapies. Stacie Barber of Peoria, Arizona, received the Voters' Choice Hero award for using her expertise as a physical therapist to guide her husband's recovery after a massive stroke and sharing their journey with over 1 million social media followers.
Winners were selected by a nationwide panel of volunteer judges, except for the Voters' Choice Award, which was determined by online popular vote. The awards recognize that stroke can happen at any age and recovery looks different for every person. For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards.
