Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience

Rebuilding After Stroke with Vivistim: Lola's Story

In this episode of Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience, host Angie Read welcomes stroke survivor Lola White and Nicole Goldstein from Vivistim for a heartfelt conversation about redefining life after stroke. Lola shares her journey from surviving to thriving, opening up about how she navigated changes in identity, rediscovered her purpose, and learned to balance ambition with recovery. She also reflects on the powerful role prayer, faith, and personal values played in her healing journey. Nicole discusses the unique challenges many women face after stroke and explains how Vivistim’s vagus nerve stimulation therapy is helping survivors improve hand and arm function by supporting neuroplasticity and recovery. Vivistim is an FDA-approved therapy designed for chronic ischemic stroke survivors who continue to experience hand and arm impairment months or even years after stroke. The therapy combines vagus nerve stimulation with rehabilitation exercises to help strengthen the brain’s motor pathways and improve function. To learn more about whether Vivistim might be a good fit for you, take Vivistim's survey [https://go.vivistim.com/Get-Started-Survey_May_2023.html?utm_source=strokeawarenessmonth&utm_medium=strokesisters&utm_campaign=episode1] or talk with your neurologist, occupational therapist, or rehabilitation team about eligibility and next steps. The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores): * https://strokesisters.app [https://strokesisters.app] Books by Angie Read: * Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health Fallout [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBD3QD8N] * Mental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and Depression [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1WB5777] * Identity Crisis: You Are Not Your Career [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK917GPS] * RISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW7LJQT5]

Emely Kadoko: The Power of Family and Determination in Stroke Recovery

Emely Kadoko, a mother of four from Zimbabwe, shares her transformative journey of recovery after suffering a severe stroke in 2020. What began as a severe headache quickly escalated, leaving Emily unconscious and hospitalized for weeks. Despite the severe impact on her mobility, she fought her way back with the unwavering support of her family, particularly her sister. Emily's story highlights the significant role of family strength, determination, and a positive mindset in overcoming adversity. With her inspiring recovery, she hopes to advocate for stroke awareness and support children with disabilities in Zimbabwe. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. * Lifeline Screening [http://llsa.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2437&aff_id=2350] The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores): * https://strokesisters.app [https://strokesisters.app] Books by Angie Read: * Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health Fallout [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBD3QD8N] * Mental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and Depression [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1WB5777] * Identity Crisis: You Are Not Your Career [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK917GPS] * RISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW7LJQT5]

A Stroke of Grace: Champion for Black Stroke Awareness Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither

Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither shares her inspiring journey as a stroke survivor. At 35, she experienced a life-changing stroke, leading to extensive physical challenges, including paralysis and blindness. Her husband recognized the emergency, allowing her to receive timely medical help. Through perseverance and various therapies, Christine gradually regained her abilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded 'A Stroke of Grace,' focusing on supporting Black stroke survivors by fostering a community of shared experiences and hope. Her story reflects resilience and the transformation of adversity into a mission to uplift and empower others facing similar hurdles. Visit AStrokeofGrace.org [https://astrokeofgrace.org/]. And help spread the word about National Black Stroke Awareness Day, May 18, 2026. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. * Lifeline Screening [http://llsa.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2437&aff_id=2350] The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores): * https://strokesisters.app [https://strokesisters.app] Books by Angie Read: * Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health Fallout [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBD3QD8N] * Mental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and Depression [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1WB5777] * Identity Crisis: You Are Not Your Career [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK917GPS] * RISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW7LJQT5]

Poet Shanan Ballam returns to the Light of Language After Stroke

In this episode of Stroke Sisters, host Angie Read explores the inspiring recovery journey of Shanan Ballam, a poet and educator who survived a massive stroke at 46. With her ability to speak and write paralyzed, Shannon faced the challenge of rediscovering her voice. Her journey involved relearning basic skills, like writing with the aid of speech therapists, and producing poetry that became pivotal in her recovery. Nature also played a key role in her rehabilitation, as seen in her poems inspired by walks and experiences in the outdoors. Shanan’s story is one of incredible resilience, creativity, and the healing power of words. Find Shanan's books. poetry, and more at https://www.shananballam.org [https://www.shananballam.org ] * You can see more content via a laptop or computer than on a mobile phone. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. * Lifeline Screening [http://llsa.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2437&aff_id=2350] The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores): * https://strokesisters.app [https://strokesisters.app] Books by Angie Read: * Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health Fallout [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBD3QD8N] * Mental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and Depression [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1WB5777] * Identity Crisis: You Are Not Your Career [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK917GPS] * RISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW7LJQT5]

Grace After Stroke While Pregnant: Bridget’s Story

In this episode of 'Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience,' host Angie Read talks with Bridget Chisadza, a young stroke survivor whose life changed forever after a brain hemorrhage while pregnant. At only 27, Bridget faced the unimaginable, a life-threatening arteriovenous malformation (AVM). She bravely shares the details of waking up with a thunderclap headache, the emergency surgery that followed, and how she emerged from a seven-day coma. Bridget went on to give birth to a healthy baby girl, even after her brain and body "betrayed her." Bridget offers insights into adjusting to new physical limitations while giving herself grace, accepting what happened, and adapting to life after stroke. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. * Lifeline Screening [http://llsa.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2437&aff_id=2350] The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores: * https://strokesisters.app [https://strokesisters.app] Books by Angie Read: * Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health Fallout [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBD3QD8N] * Mental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and Depression [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1WB5777] * Identity Crisis: You Are Not Your Career [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK917GPS] * RISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW7LJQT5]