The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has announced the 2026 Stroke Hero Awards, honoring seven individuals and groups whose actions are redefining life after stroke. Recognized during American Stroke Month, the awards highlight survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, and community organizations that support people affected by stroke nationwide.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., and recovery often involves navigating lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. This year's Stroke Heroes demonstrate how personal experience can become a source of strength for others, whether through caring for a loved one, reducing isolation, or helping fellow survivors and caregivers find a path forward.
The winners include Caregiver Hero Felicia Veasey of Summerville, South Carolina, who rearranged her life to become her mother's full-time caregiver and later organized a public webinar on caregiver mental health. Community Impact Hero Lamont Causey of Detroit, who regained his ability to speak, swallow, and walk after a 2019 stroke, now shares his story to educate and support survivors in under-resourced communities.
Nasheel Joules of McKinney, Texas, is honored as the B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero for recognizing stroke signs in her husband and calling 911 immediately, leading to prompt treatment for a transient ischemic attack. The Aphasia Recovery Connection in Leland, North Carolina, receives the Group Hero award for providing free support and education to over 20,000 members with aphasia, a condition often caused by stroke.
Pediatric Hero Marina Ganetsky, now 15, survived multiple strokes from a ruptured AVM at age 10 and has written a book for children with brain injuries. Survivor Hero Gabriela Raso of Missouri City, Texas, a physician who insisted on a CT scan that confirmed her stroke, co-founded The Stroke Foundation to advocate for expanded access to therapies. Voters' Choice Hero Stacie Barber of Peoria, Arizona, a physical therapist, documented her husband's recovery from a large bleeding stroke on social media, inspiring over 1 million followers.
Winners were selected by a panel of volunteer judges, except for the Voters' Choice Award, which was determined by online popular vote. The awards recognize the many ways individuals and communities support survivors and caregivers through connection, advocacy, and shared experiences. For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards.
Additional resources include photos of each winner on the release link and a Spanish news release. The American Stroke Association emphasizes that stroke can happen at any age and recovery looks different for every person. The organization continues to fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and provide lifesaving resources to prevent, treat, and beat stroke.
