Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience

Michelle Brotohusomo's life was dramatically altered by a stroke at a relatively young age. Initially uncertain of her symptoms, she quickly shifted to action after a friend's urgent recommendation. Her hospital and rehab experience involved an emotionally and physically demanding process of relearning basic skills. Through her perseverance, Michelle returned to her work with newfound insight and...

Debbie Mangan recounts her stroke experience, which began unexpectedly while gardening. After being rushed to a hospital across town due to the severity of her condition, Debbie spent weeks in a coma and eventually transitioned from a ventilator to a trach. Her recovery journey was challenging, involving relearning to walk and adjusting to life post-stroke. Despite initial fears and obstacles, Deb...

Cassie Miller Thornburg, a professional singer, faced a life-altering stroke at age 54 that abruptly halted her successful career. Despite the challenges, Cassie’s faith and determination led her to find new joys in life beyond music. Though she eventually decided to step away from singing, Cassie finds happiness in being a wife and a ‘mom’ to her cat, embracing new roles with grace and celebratin...

Delanie Stevenson, a former teacher and young mother of two at the time, shares her harrowing experience with an ischemic brain stem stroke at the age of 33. The episode recounts her unexpected symptoms, the urgent hospital trip, and her struggle with the 'locked-in' condition that left her initially unable to move or talk. Delaney also discusses her inspiration to recover, drawn from her sister w...

In this heartfelt episode, Angela West shares her journey of surviving a massive ischemic stroke at just 38. After experiencing dizziness and vision loss at work, Angela fell, leaving her hemiplegic on the left side. A quick-thinking customer called 911, ensuring she received timely medical intervention. Despite an allergic reaction to thrombolysis drugs, Angela underwent successful thrombectomy s...

In this insightful podcast episode, stroke survivor Megan Thomas shares her compelling recovery story. At just 34, Megan faced a life-changing stroke while attending a board meeting. Drawing on her previous experience as a medical emergency dispatcher, she recognized the signs and sought immediate help. Today, Megan's journey is marked by her relentless determination and resilience. With the suppo...

In this episode of Stroke Sister Stories, Angie sits down with Jennie Wallace, a 41-year-old stroke survivor and dedicated wife and mother. Jenny recounts the sudden onset of her stroke in 2023 and the critical moments that followed. Despite no prior risk factors, Jenny faced her crisis head-on, beginning her recovery journey with courage and determination. She shares how she managed her new reali...

Welcome to Stroke Sisters Stories of Strength and Resilience, a podcast hosted by Angie Read, a two-time stroke survivor herself. This podcast focuses on the real and raw journeys of women who have overcome the challenges of stroke recovery. Each episode dives into personal experiences of female survivors, as well as featuring insights from experts and advocates. Stroke Sisters aims to provide emp...