Story Quotes
“This double hit somehow sparked a newfound resilience that remains today.”
“ Perseverance was everything to me.
And I began to realize that creative meant something very different now.”
“I still struggle to find words, but when I talk, people listen. My voice matters.
I matter. My experience matters...And so does yours.”
“..when you give someone attention and believe in them, big things can happen. I want to do that for other people. I’ve found it and now I want to share it.”
“In that moment, everything changed. It was real. Death teaches me how to live. My real job is learning how to understand myself 2.0 and how I interact with the world.”
"When I’m having an off-day, I’m boosted by my people, my fellow survivors.
And, it’s my job to do that for them too."
“Christine approached my bed, then kept getting closer, her eyes locked to mine. She stopped just inches from my face, almost nose to nose with me. Then said, ‘For now. You can’t for now.’ Wow, that moment is stuck in my memory and those words in my mind. I’m not always so good at it, but when a frustrating situation arises I remind myself, ‘For now. You can’t for now.’ I’ve learned to follow that up with ‘How can I?’ All the frustration is FOR NOW and will go away. I just have to slow myself down and think my way through it. I need to ask for help, wait, and find my way forward.”
"Our stories were living proof of the importance of timely and comprehensive stroke care... Every stroke victim deserves the care we received."
Transform Luck to Systematic Change
Chuck Toeniskoetter’s Story
“Once I reconnected with the person in the mirror, once she became a part of me again, I could see everything improving. The journey was not easy, but the transformation and growth I experienced were worth every struggle.”
Facing the Mirror: Finding Myself
Tania Saiz’ Story
“We breathe to live and live to believe. It’s something we do 24/7 but we don’t really think about it that much. Maybe we should?”
Learning to Breathe
Peter Cass’ Story
“The biggest thing that really helps is having purpose…it enables us to step out of the victim mentality.”
The Melody Messenger
Antonio Iannella’s Story
“I believe that all people with disabilities are special because we have to find unique approaches to overcoming great odds. My hope for you, fellow stroke survivors, is that you will achieve your goals and in doing so, inspire others to achieve theirs.”
Struggle’s Role Post Stroke
Mitch Raymond’s Story
“I joined an improv class that was difficult for my brain at that point but it became therapy in a way. It was speech, physical, and occupational therapy all at the same time. And, I loved the creative and communal aspect. There’s a saying in improv, “yes, and…”, that really prompted me to think about my life in general. I began to devote more time to writing too. The combination of ‘yes, and…’ and the space to reflect and write helped me ponder life and what motivated me. What’s the purpose of all this? How can I spend my time meaningfully?
How can I create a life I love?”
Yes, And…- Aaron Haches’ Story
“Turns out, I didn’t need to be fixed. I just needed to be heard. I needed to feel safe with someone. I needed to feel safe to say ‘I’m scared!’ I needed to feel safe to say: ‘I’m lonely!’ I needed to feel safe to say, ‘I’m grieving’ and most importantly, I needed to be heard…He made me feel seen and heard with his stillness, with his support. And with attentive silence, And that, that is magic. Magic.”
“That day, I was in so much pain but felt a total sense of freedom. I was hooked. Oh my God, nobody is pushing my wheelchair! I could speed up and slow down! I could go left. I could go right. I was in total control! It was easier than walking, faster too. On a trike, there’s so much to explore! So many people to meet!”
How the Trike Saved My Life
Dan Zimmerman’s Story
“I’m now someone who values collaboration over going at it alone, who seeks opportunities to grow alongside others rather than in isolation. I am thankful for the unexpected way that stroke became the best thing that happened to me.”
The Best Thing That Happened
Bill Gasiamis’ Story
“When I reach out, I connect with others, hear about resources, and find opportunities. This helps pull me out of my sadness and feel more understood and connected.”
Opportunities Beyond Depression
Barry North’s Story
“Yet, it was here, amidst the cables and wires, that I encountered the raw humanity of my own existence. I learned to surrender and accept my vulnerability.”
From Intellect to Embodiment
Beatriz Fritschler’s Story
“This is what a caregiver needs. They need to be seen, cared for, comforted, and assisted too.”
I’ve Been Changed…For Good
Nikki Juvan’s Story
“So my hope for you listeners out there, is that you never give up on your You, your Truth, or the best version of yourself - that’s what we are all here for…If you haven’t figured it out yet, you will. Keep asking why and have faith that your answer will come in time. You are here for a reason. All parts of you, your past, your body, your mind. There’s a place for you too.”
A Story of Resilience - Toni Hickman’s Story
“Do I feel robbed of my life? No. I feel that my life has been transformed. It has taken on a new, richer dimension—one that is defined by perseverance, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others navigate their own challenges. This journey, though arduous, has gifted me with a deeper appreciation for life’s fragility and resilience, teaching me to cherish every moment and to find strength in vulnerability.”
Becoming Me: A Stroke Survivor’s Journey from Caterpillar to Butterfly
Tymiak Hawkins’ Story
“The brain is complex. I felt my brain betrayed me and disconnected me from everything I knew. But then, when I thought I had reached a deadend, my brain did something amazing. It rerouted, reconnected in a new way. It showed me new ways of seeing things, interacting with people, and navigating this life. It gave me new opportunities, offered depth, and purpose. It is healing. It is healing, slowly, but it is still healing. And in big ways, it’s healing my relationships with the world, others, and myself. I love my brain. Together, we are rerouting.”
Finding My True North
Stuart Abramson’s Story
“I sat in the chair and showed the tattoo artist what I wanted, how big I wanted it, where I wanted it. I wanted to see “Never Give Up” in bold print across my forearm. But then, I sat back, took a breath, and walked out. I had no need for a tattoo. My statement is in my works. I live it.
I will never give up.”
My Statement In My Works
Steve Knobles’ Story
“That’s my story and it’s not just mine. All of our stories interact with each other. I strive to be one who believes in myself and believes in you. We go further together.”
Go Further Together - Larry White’s Story
“The days that throw me off teach me a lot. They teach me to go slow and be more deliberate. Once I get through the anger and frustration, they motivate me…After much pain, I’ve learned not to ignore the difficult stuff just because it’s difficult.”
Part of Something Greater
Chris Wilder’s Story
“After my stroke I switched from relying on predictable circumstances to relying on my ability to adapt to any circumstance…I needed to know how to smile, be happy and healthy despite my disabilities and how to make it a lifestyle.”
Moment of Silence - Tracey Brown’s Story
“This has been a long and winding road that leads me back to, well, me. The true me. The deepest me. The best me. There’s a phrase drummers use, ‘keep it in the pocket’ or ‘play to the song. There’s a song there. Play it.’ So, that’s what I’m doing and that’s my hope for each of you.
There's a life here. Live it”.
Long and Winding Road
Anthony Parson’s Story
“Telling my story, whether through podcasts like this one or in a support group, has helped me to take ownership of my experience, giving me a feeling of control. It has helped me to heal and give back to others.”
The Power of Listening
Flannery O’Neil’s Story
“I dress like a superhero, because I am a superhero. And, you are too. I want to show up as a public reminder you are a superhero. You’ve been through adversities, we all have, and you have the power to triumph. Ask yourself, “how can I?” Commit to a daily practice and surround yourself with people who believe in you too.”
How Can I? - John Lummis’ Story
“I believe stroke survivor meetings are so important. I have found that I learn from each person who attends. Every stroke is different. Every person is different. Every step of the stroke journey is different. Heck, every day of my stroke recovery journey is different. I am impressed by recent survivors and those decades out.”
Strength in Community
John DeBell’s Story
“I’ve also met a lot of new people through recovery. They have been my cheerleaders, as I am for them. I’m here for anyone listening to my story on this show. I believe in YOU, it’s tough, and it’s possible. I believe in YOU and know that YOU need to believe in yourself. At some point, you will be sharing your story and helping others believe in themselves too.”
I Believe Anything is Possible
Ricardo Coleman’s Story
“I’m working to redesign my life in a way that focuses on community, family, friends, while also allowing me to be me. When I take a break from this work, I hope that I can look at myself in the mirror and say, “Lou, you do look like yourself.”
Lou, You Do Look Like Yourself
Lou Roselli’s Story
“Throughout my journey, I’ve realized that I need to be in community and live in the world. This helps me get out of my head. When I’m surrounded by lots of people who also have disabilities, we all compliment each other and cheer each other on. I’ve developed lots of friendships. It’s important for me to surround myself with positive people.”
What I’ve Learned - Julie Kitamura’s Story
“Cognitive therapy was challenging in a completely different way! The exercises revealed unseen disabilities. But, there I learned failing didn’t mean I was a failure. It meant I needed to be kind to myself, and believe in myself. I kept telling myself that I would get better. And I did!!”
My Only Option, Surrender
Elene Sheets’ Story
“When you think you can’t do anymore and have reached your limit, you have to push yourself through and you’ll make it to the other side. Ironically, sometimes recovery is more of a mental strength test. Stop the negative chatter. It’s only in your head. Sometimes you have to believe you can, decide what you want, and not let anything stop you from getting it.”
Treat Yourself as You Would Treat Someone You Love - Kristi Haas’ Story
“This is a long, difficult journey but I’ve learned the importance of being hopeful and open. My therapists offered me many resources. I’ve learned it’s important to try new things during recovery…I’ve learned to practice gratitude. I read once that humans will multiply the things we count. So, if we focus on how hard everything is, we multiply those obstacles and difficulties. On the other hand, if we count the things we're grateful for, that's what multiplies! I am a true believer in that. This gratitude has fueled my recovery.”
Stroke: It Didn’t Happen to Me, It Happened For Me - Hub Miller’s Story
“It was time to make some serious changes in life. In order to be the best wife and caregiver I could be to my husband, I needed to get healthy. That, I could control. I also decided that I needed to seek out experiences that brought me joy.”
Working Spouse, Caregiver
Dr. Ivy Randle’s Story
“Looking back over the journey, I wish I had truly known how much help I needed to get our lives back on a happy track – To enjoy each other and our retirement years. I also somewhat belatedly discovered that my friends understood more than I initially thought. I just needed to ask, they understood and wanted to help. Through the deep love I share with my husband as well as through the wonderful help of the amazing people in my life, Ron and I are embracing our new normal gratefully and now much more happily. Our new normal is working well.”
Just Needed to Ask: A Caregiver’s Journey Valerie Hollaender's Story
“I think there is lots of emphasis on the physical recovery but less so on the psychological side. It’s a massive thing to go through and affects the whole of you. This belief fuels every part of my life now. My focus on the whole person informs my recovery daily, and professionally I now help other stroke survivors with the use of Yoga and other tools I’ve learned along the way in my own recovery to help them move forward with their lives.”
Finding Safety Within My Body
Anna Kerry’s Story
“As I reflect on the last six years of my healing journey, I have come to really know and understand that the healing on the outside has moved faster than the healing on the inside. Although the outside healing has taken a fair amount of time, the inside healing is much slower. I think of the healing process like that of building a house. We build the outside of the house first, then once it's framed and sealed, we work on the inside. There are lots of medical doctors, physical, occupational, speech therapists and programs focusing on building the outside of me, my body. I don’t see as many professionals working with stroke survivors on rebuilding the inside. So, that’s what I’m focusing on for this story."
My Story of Healing and Hope
Kalvin Randle’s Story
“During my recovery, I lost a sense of purpose. So I signed up for a writing class. I had a lot of stories to tell, so maybe my purpose was to be a writer. It was crazy since I had aphasia…The experiences in writing remind me of the importance of trust.”
Positive Resilience - Sue Phipps’ Story
“I’m working toward total acceptance of myself by doing things that make me feel happy, empowered, strong, and independent.”
Moving Toward Acceptance
Tia Palafox’s Story
“After my stroke, I had to release old stories and write a new one.”
Death Taught Me How to Live
Greg Graham’s Story
“I volunteer at the local elementary school. I relearned to read after my stroke so I try to share strategies from my stroke recovery with them. We work with syllables and pictures. We explore, learn, and laugh together. The foundation of reading opens whole new worlds.”
My Encore Life - Roz Himes’ Story
“It’s not easy out there in the real world but you can adapt. If you keep trying, you’ll keep getting better…As long as you keep trying. You can keep succeeding.”
I Can, Just Not Yet
Drew Schmechel’s Story
“When there’s a challenge, I know there’s a way to meet it. I just have to figure it out. I have the patience for that. I love solving problems and finding creative solutions. It is so fun. Each success gives me a bit of a jolt.”
Trust the Process and Professionals
Ken Check’s Story
“I found my stroke as an opportunity to refine myself, recreate myself. It’s an opportunity to be better and wiser than pre-stroke me.”
Who I Really Am, At Least At This Moment Shirley Howell’s Story
“My stroke has made me realize that I’m not alone in this journey and neither is anyone else who has gone through such a shift. So today, I offer my story to anyone who connects with it and finds part of their own, in my experience. You are not alone.”
Thankful - Ray Erdmann’s Story
“It may take time and patience to wait for a stroke survivor to engage but we deserve it. And oftentimes we will blow others away with our regained abilities…Stroke survivors have an opportunity to share our gifts. In a way, it’s our superpower.”
We Care Because We’ve Been There
Nick Clarke’s Story
“A curious thing happens however as recovery progresses. You flip from measuring time in 15 minute chunks to 3 month chunks…Measuring time on a quarterly basis, that's when you start to really see the shape recovery is going to take.”
Finding Life 2.0 - John Humphrey’s Story
“Build your team. I look for therapists, doctors, caregivers,
friends and family who believe in me…We are limitless.”
Limitless - Ralph Cortese’s Story