The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has announced the recipients of the 2026 Stroke Hero Awards, recognizing seven honorees nationwide who are redefining what life after stroke can look like. The awards, presented each May during American Stroke Month, honor survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations whose actions support people affected by stroke. These heroes demonstrate how personal experience can become a source of strength for others, helping navigate the lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that often follow a stroke.
Among the honorees is Felicia Veasey of Summerville, South Carolina, recognized as the Caregiver Hero. After her mother’s second stroke, Veasey rearranged her life to become a full-time caregiver. Her efforts spurred significant health improvements for her mother and led her to create a public webinar, Empowered Minds and Hearts, focusing on caregiver mental health and well-being. Community Impact Hero Lamont Causey of Detroit suffered a stroke in 2019 that left him unable to speak, swallow, or walk. Through determination, he regained function and now shares his story to educate and support survivors, particularly in under-resourced communities.
Nasheel Joules of McKinney, Texas, was named the B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero after recognizing stroke symptoms in her husband Mark—sudden speech difficulty—and calling 911 immediately. Doctors confirmed a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and her quick action helped protect his long-term health. The couple now raises funds for the Association through an annual Christmas light display and works with local officials to improve emergency response. The Aphasia Recovery Connection in Leland, North Carolina, received the Group Hero award for connecting over 20,000 members with aphasia—a communication disorder often caused by stroke—to free support and education, combating isolation.
Pediatric Hero Marina Ganetsky of Needham, Massachusetts, suffered a ruptured AVM at age 10, leading to multiple strokes. Now 15, she has made remarkable progress and speaks at national conferences, and has written a book for children facing brain injuries. Survivor Hero Gabriela Raso of Missouri City, Texas, experienced a stroke on Christmas 2013 that was initially missed by ER doctors. As a physician, she insisted on a CT scan, confirming the stroke and saving her life. 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, refused to accept a dire prognosis after her husband Logan’s massive stroke in 2024. Her caregiving and professional knowledge fueled his recovery, and she shares their journey with over 1 million social media followers, inspiring others.
The 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. Additional resources include American Heart Association news release on stroke signs.
