The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has announced the recipients of the 2026 Stroke Hero Awards, honoring seven individuals and organizations whose actions are redefining what life after stroke can look like. Recognized annually during American Stroke Month, the awards celebrate survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, and community organizations that support people affected by stroke through connection, education, and shared experience.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, and recovery often involves navigating lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. This year's honorees demonstrate how personal experience can become a source of strength for others, whether through caregiving, 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 become her mother's full-time caregiver after a second stroke and for 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 encourage survivors and caregivers, particularly 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—sudden difficulty speaking and mispronouncing words—and calling 911 immediately, leading to prompt evaluation for a transient ischemic attack. She and her husband continue to raise funds for the Association through an annual Christmas light display and work with local officials to support rapid emergency response.
The Aphasia Recovery Connection in Leland, North Carolina, was named Group Hero for providing free aphasia support and education to over 20,000 members and subscribers, helping those with difficulty speaking, reading, or writing after brain injury connect with a supportive community. Marina Ganetsky of Needham, Massachusetts, honored as Pediatric Hero, suffered multiple strokes at age 10 due to a ruptured arteriovenous malformation. Now 15, she speaks at national conferences and has written a book for children facing strokes and brain injuries.
Gabriela Raso of Missouri City, Texas, the Survivor Hero, experienced an ischemic stroke on Christmas 2013 that was initially missed by ER doctors. As a physician, she insisted on a CT scan that confirmed the stroke, saving her life. She now co-founded The Stroke Foundation to advocate for expanded access to therapies and resources. Stacie Barber of Peoria, Arizona, the Voters' Choice Hero, refused to accept dire prognoses after her husband Logan suffered a large bleeding stroke in 2024. Using her expertise as a physical therapist, she guided his recovery, which included his return to full-time work, and shares their journey with over 1 million social media followers.
Winners were selected by a nationwide panel of volunteer judges from the American Stroke Association, except for the Voters' Choice Award, which was determined by online popular vote. For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards.
