Our Stories
Real People. Real Experiences. Life After Stroke.
Every stroke journey is different—but no survivor or caregiver should have to face it alone.
Through this special 13abc Marketplace series, Stroke Life Center members share their experiences in their own words: the challenges they have faced, the progress they have made, and the difference it makes to be surrounded by people who understand.
We are grateful to 13abc for helping our members share their stories and bringing greater awareness to life after stroke.
Sarah Fitzgerald and Leah Vossen
Stroke Survivor and Caregiver | Finding Support After a Stroke at 23
Sarah was only 23 when she experienced a brain bleed while at the gym, beginning a long journey through intensive care and rehabilitation with her mother, Leah, by her side. At the Stroke Life Center, they found an accepting community—and the comfort of connecting with others who understand what they are going through.
Watch Sarah and Leah’s story.
Produced by 13abc Marketplace and shared with permission.
Kathy Newberry
Stroke Survivor | Finding Friendship and Belonging
Kathy experienced a stroke in 2019 and later faced a more significant stroke following brain aneurysm surgery. At the Stroke Life Center, she found friendship, encouragement, and a place where she feels loved, accepted, and understood.
Watch Kathy’s story.
Produced by 13abc Marketplace and shared with permission.
“If it weren’t for this place, all of us would have nowhere to go. It creates friends. It creates love.” —Kathy Newberry
Ed Steinberger
Stroke Survivor | Believing Recovery Never Ends
Ed’s life changed on April 10, 2011, when he collapsed at home while preparing for church. With his wife, Rita, by his side, Ed refused to accept that his progress had reached its limit—and at the Stroke Life Center, he found practical guidance, friendship, and plenty of opportunities to have fun.
Watch Ed’s story.
Produced by 13abc Marketplace and shared with permission.
“Stroke recovery is never ending.”
— Ed Steinberger
Thomas “Murphy” and Mary Murray
Stroke Survivor and Caregiver | Finding Direction After Therapy Ends
Murphy suffered a stroke while he and Mary were celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary on a cruise in Mexico. After returning home, Mary became his advocate through treatment, therapy, and insurance challenges—and when covered therapy ended, they found continued direction, friendship, and support at the Stroke Life Center.
Watch Murphy and Mary’s story.
Produced by 13abc Marketplace and shared with permission.
Harvey Rome
Stroke Survivor | Finding Strength Through Shared Experience
After his stroke in 2012, Harvey was angry, uncertain, and afraid that the life he knew was over. Through determination and the peer support he found at the Stroke Life Center, he discovered a community he calls “a lifesaver”—one that helped make him glad he survived.
Watch Harvey’s story.
Produced by 13abc Marketplace and shared with permission.
“It makes me glad that I survived.”
— Harvey Rome
Monica and Judy Keller
Caregiver and Stroke Survivor | Finding Belonging, Inspiration, and Family
After her mother Judy’s stroke, Monica found a Stroke Life Center information card that led them to a community where Judy could feel safe, understood, and at home. Although Judy passed away at age 88 shortly before this interview, Monica shares how the Center gave her mother inspiration, belonging, and an opportunity to help others by sharing what she had learned.
Watch Monica share Judy’s story.
Produced by 13abc Marketplace and shared with permission.
“This is home. This is where I can be normal. This is where I can share about my struggles and feel safe.”
— Monica, caregiver and daughter of Judy Keller
Kate Hunyor
Stroke Survivor | Finding Hope and Encouragement
Kate experienced her first stroke in 2016 after waking unable to move her left side. After facing two additional strokes and returning to therapy, she found encouragement at the Stroke Life Center—and the reassurance that she was not alone and that life could get better.
Watch Kate’s story.
Produced by 13abc Marketplace and shared with permission.
“I was scared, but you keep coming here—and it gets better.”
— Kate Hunyor
Their Stories May Be Different. Their Message Is the Same: You Are Not Alone.
The people featured here understand the uncertainty, frustration, determination, and hope that can be part of life after stroke. At the Stroke Life Center, survivors and caregivers find support, education, wellness programs, friendship, and a community that understands.
Whether your stroke happened recently or years ago, you are welcome here.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Stroke Recovery Alone
The Stroke Life Center provides support, education, wellness programs, and meaningful connection for stroke survivors and caregivers—at no cost.
Help More Survivors Find Their Community
The programs and connections you heard about in these stories are made possible through community support. Your gift helps ensure that survivors and caregivers can continue receiving support at no cost.