The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has announced the 2026 Stroke Hero Awards, honoring seven recipients who are redefining what life after stroke can look like. Recognized each May during American Stroke Month, the awards spotlight survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, and community organizations whose actions support people affected by stroke nationwide. The honorees demonstrate how personal experience can become a source of strength for others, whether through caregiving, advocacy, or community impact.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., and the hard work often begins after the hospital stay ends. Life after a stroke can involve navigating lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges, as noted in the announcement. This year's winners include Felicia Veasey of Summerville, South Carolina, honored as Caregiver Hero for rearranging her life to become her mother's full-time caregiver after a second stroke. Despite the intense demands, her care spurred significant health improvements, and she organized the webinar "Empowered Minds and Hearts" to support other caregivers' mental health.
Lamont Causey of Detroit, named Community Impact Hero, suffered a stroke in 2019 that left him unable to speak, swallow, or walk. Through commitment and resilience, he regained function and now shares his story to educate and encourage survivors and caregivers, particularly in under-resourced communities. Nasheel Joules of McKinney, Texas, recognized as B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero, acted quickly when her husband Mark suddenly struggled to speak. She called 911, and doctors confirmed a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Her prompt action helped protect his long-term health. Together, they raise funds for the Association through an annual Christmas light display and work with local officials to support rapid emergency response.
The Group Heroes award goes to The Aphasia Recovery Connection in Leland, North Carolina. The nonprofit provides free aphasia support and education to over 20,000 members and community subscribers, helping those with difficulty speaking, reading, or writing after brain injury—often from stroke—feel less isolated. Pediatric Hero Marina Ganetsky of Needham, Massachusetts, suffered a ruptured AVM at age 10, causing multiple strokes. Now 15, she speaks at national conferences and has written a book for children facing strokes and brain injuries.
Survivor Hero Gabriela Raso of Missouri City, Texas, experienced an ischemic stroke on Christmas 2013 that was initially missed. As a physician, she insisted on a CT scan that confirmed the stroke, saving her life. She co-founded The Stroke Foundation to advocate for expanded access to therapies and support. Voters' Choice Hero Stacie Barber of Peoria, Arizona, a physical therapist, refused to accept a dire prognosis after her husband Logan's large bleeding stroke in September 2024. Her caregiving, guided by professional knowledge, fueled his strong recovery, including a return to full-time work. She shares 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, determined by online popular vote. For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, works to prevent, treat, and beat stroke by funding research, advocating for public health, and providing resources. Stroke can happen at any age, and recovery varies; these awards recognize diverse ways individuals and communities support survivors and caregivers through connection, advocacy, and shared experiences.
