Retired executive shares powerful stroke survival story for American Stroke Month

 This just proves the COMPLETE FUCKING FAILURE OF THE STROKE WORLD! 100% recovery should be normal and mapped out WITH EXACT PROTOCOLS! Not having those protocols means the ASA is a COMPLETE FUCKING FAILURE!

Send me personal hate mail on this: oc1dean@gmail.com. I'll print your complete statement with your name and title(If you can't stand by your name don't bother replying anonymously) and my response in my blog. Or are you afraid to engage with my stroke-addled mind? No excuses are allowed! You're medically trained; it should be simple to precisely state EXACTLY WHERE I'M WRONG. I want to hear your excuses for failure(not getting to 100% recovery IS FAILURE!) so I can demolish them! You aren't solving to 100% recovery protocols with NO EXCUSES! I've never received any communications from any stroke association. You'd think they would want to talk to their fiercest critic, but no, they are hiding under a rock someplace, probably don't even know I exist! Swearing at me is allowed, I'll return the favor. Don't even attempt to use the excuse that brain research is hard.

I'm looking directly at you; Nancy Brown; care to reply? The AHA/ASA chief executive officer is Nancy Brown

Retired executive shares powerful stroke survival story for American Stroke Month

American Stroke Association highlights survivor’s journey to underscore the importance of B.E. F.A.S.T. action in emergencies

ROGERS, Ark., May 4, 2026 —When 59‑year‑old Rogers resident Earvin Young woke up on Jan. 2, 2025, he had no idea his life would change within hours. An avid cyclist, corporate executive and father of four, Young describes himself as healthy, active and “the last person who thought a stroke could happen to me.”

But that morning, when his son came home from his night shift to check on him, he found his father on the bathroom floor, unable to feel his legs or stand.

Young had suffered the first of what would be two strokes within ten days.

As the American Stroke Association recognizes American Stroke Month in May, Young is sharing his experience to urge Northwest Arkansans to learn and recognize the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke, when every minute can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.

Before his stroke, Young rode 40–50 miles every weekend, spent 35 years building a career in human resources and was deeply involved in community volunteer work. He said nothing in his life suggested he was at risk.

“I knew what a stroke was, but like most people, I thought it would never happen to me,” Young said.

In the early morning hours after his first stroke, he was transported from hospital to hospital as medical teams searched for answers. Ten days later, while undergoing rehabilitation, Young suffered a second, more severe stroke, one that left him unable to speak or move.

Doctors warned his wife, Rosalind, that his chances of survival were uncertain.

What Young remembers from that experience is not fear, but frustration.

“I could hear everything,” he said. “I just couldn’t move or respond. People were talking around me, deciding things about me. I kept thinking, talk to me like I’m still here.”

That moment became part of Young’s new mission: advocating for stroke awareness, survivor dignity and better communication between patients and care teams.

He spent nearly three months in three different hospitals and rehab facilities, working to regain his ability to walk, speak and manage daily life. Today, he continues therapy for challenges with balance, hand mobility and vocal fatigue, all lingering effects of his strokes.

But his outlook remains hopeful.

“With every ending, there’s a new beginning,” Young said. “This is my life after stroke. I don’t want the old life back. I want to build something new.”

That “something new” includes advocacy. Young has launched a blog, begun connecting with survivor networks and is working with local barbershops, churches and community groups in Northwest Arkansas to create spaces where men — especially Black men, who are at higher risk for stroke — can talk openly about health.

“Nobody in the barbershop or church was talking about stroke until I had mine,” he said. “Awareness starts where people gather.”

Arkansas sits squarely in the nation’s “stroke belt,” where stroke mortality rates are significantly higher than the U.S. average, according to CDC data. Yet awareness of stroke symptoms remains low across the state. This reality hit home for Young, who says neither he nor his son recognized the warning signs during his medical emergency

“If we had known B.E. F.A.S.T., we would have called 911 immediately,” he said. “Time lost is brain lost.”

B.E. F.A.S.T. helps people recognize the most common stroke warning signs: Balance loss, Eye or vision changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. Calling emergency services immediately allows first responders to begin care and alert the hospital’s stroke team before arrival.

Arkansas sits in the nation’s “stroke belt,” where stroke death rates are significantly higher than the national average. Men and African Americans face particularly high risk, and awareness gaps remain widespread.

Young now uses his voice to advocate for stroke awareness, survivor dignity and earlier action. He is working with barbershops, churches and community groups across Northwest Arkansas to spark honest conversations about stroke risk and prevention, especially among men.

“Nobody was talking about stroke where we gather until it happened to me,” Young said. “Awareness starts with conversation.”

As American Stroke Month continues, the American Stroke Association encourages Arkansans to learn B.E. F.A.S.T., know their risk factors and act quickly if stroke symptoms appear.

“If sharing my story helps even one family recognize the signs and call for help sooner,” Young said, “then it’s worth it.”

Additional resources: 

• Interactive B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

 

Century of Bold Progress Achieved Through AHA Support

 There will never be any progress on stroke to 100% recovery in their ASA subsidiary until survivors get in charge.

And yet Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association, I see you doing nothing to solve any of the problems in stroke.

Contact me at oc1dean@gmail.com and your board of directors, you and I can discuss how to get survivors 100% recovered.

Century of Bold Progress Achieved Through AHA Support

On June 10, 1924, a small group of dedicated physicians gathered at The Drake Hotel in Chicago to establish the American Heart Association. At the time, heart disease was considered a death sentence, there was no treatment, no hope. These founders believed that better understanding of heart disease would lead to treatments and lives saved.

They were right. Now, 100 years later, the American Heart Association has grown from those humble beginnings to become the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. At nearly 40 million-strong, volunteers, donors, advocates, staff and other supporters from around the world are leading the Association's mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

"As we mark the American Heart Association's centennial, we recognize monumental accomplishments in the fight against heart disease and stroke," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "Supported by efforts led by the Association, death rates from heart disease have been cut in half in the past 100 years. Deaths from stroke(But has stroke recovery improved at all in that time frame? I see nothing.) have been cut by a third since the creation of the American Stroke Association in 1998. Our historical timeline of the American Heart Association's work highlights the accomplishments made since our founding, including spearheading groundbreaking research and advocacy initiatives to fight cardiovascular disease and pioneer life-saving interventions."

The achievements of the American Heart Association over the past century have already resulted in more than $5.7 billion invested in cardiovascular scientific research – the largest investment outside of the federal government – made possible by the passion of community-based volunteers, donors and employees. Numerous top cardiovascular and cerebrovascular scientists throughout the world are linked with the American Heart Association as recipients of awards that recognize scientific excellence. Fifteen researchers funded by the Association have won Nobel Prizes, confirming that the American Heart Association is a leader in cardiovascular disease research.

"Reaching the Association's bold goals is made possible because of like-minded individuals and organizations who share in the vision of better health," said Marsha Jones, volunteer board chair of the American Heart Association. "Donors have pledged support of their time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors, providing the essential resources needed to sustain and expand the Association's vital programs and initiatives such as Heart Walk, Go Red for Women® and Nation of Lifesavers. We are forever grateful for this support."

The full list of Second Century donors can be viewed here.

"As heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide, we realize that our work is not yet finished," Jones said. "The American Heart Association is encouraging every individual, company, school and community to unite in transforming the future of health – not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones and the places we live, work and play. Today and every day, we have the opportunity to improve health and inspire hope for the future everyone deserves."

The Association will continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve health care and advocate for federal, state and local policies to drive healthier lifestyles.

"As we close out our first 100 years and begin the next, our recent report on risk factor trends and economic projections show that our work is more important than ever," Brown said. "We understand that we can't achieve our bold goals alone and are deeply grateful to the community for their passion and commitment in supporting our mission. At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours."

The Association is debuting "24 – a short film from the Heart" to commemorate the century of progress. View the film, learn more about accomplishments in the first 100 years of the American Heart Association and find how you can make a difference by participating in the Second Century campaign at heart.org/centennial.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.

Ely teen Reegan Lueken among 6 advocates nationwide selected to receive 2024 Stroke Hero Award

 If the AHA/ASA would do their only fucking job(SOLVING STROKE TO 100% RECOVERY!) then they wouldn't need to publicize heroes. Nancy Brown, care to reply to me? oc1dean@gmail.com

We can discuss with your board of directors the strategy to 100% recovery. You'll want 100% recovery when you are the 1 in 4 per WHO that has a stroke? 

Ely teen Reegan Lueken among 6 advocates nationwide selected to receive 2024 Stroke Hero Award

The American Stroke Association spotlights the resiliency of local individuals and groups in the fight against stroke

HIAWATHA, Iowa, May 16, 2024 – Reegan Lueken, a 10th grader from Ely who experienced a stroke at age 12, is 1 of 6 stroke heroes from across the country recognized by the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, for their resiliency and dedication in the fight against stroke.

Lueken earned the Pediatric Hero Award as part of the American Stroke Association’s annual Stroke Hero Awards honoring stroke survivors, health care professionals, advocates and caregivers. During May, American Stroke Month, the Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all and celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, honors these Stroke Heroes and proudly advocates for stroke survivors year-round.

Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke.[1] Those who have had a stroke often work against physical, emotional and cognitive changes to move forward.

Lueken experienced a stroke on her first day of 7th grade track practice. Since then, her perseverance has been an inspiration. But returning home from the hospital was just the beginning of her journey. She has participated in intensive therapies to help get her life back on track.

Now a 10th grader, Lueken’s stroke has taught her that every day is a gift. She has worked hard to be on the honor roll and complete her first community college course. She uses the Association’s platform to share her story so others can learn from her experience. Lueken and her mom, Maria – a heart disease survivor – want others to know that a stroke can happen to anyone at any age.

The pair shared their story at the Cedar Rapids Heart Ball on Feb. 3.

In addition to Lueken, the 2024 Stroke Hero winners include:

• Caregiver Hero: Loretta Sharp Gray, Oakwood Village, Ohio
  Loretta Sharp Gray went from teaching students with disabilities to personal caregiver for her life partner, who survived a serious stroke and wasn’t expected to live. Never complaining or seeking recognition, she takes care of him at home with periodic home visits from his primary care doctor and nurse practitioner. At the same time, this grandmother is an advocate, volunteer and trusted messenger in the community. She also volunteers with the Association’s STEM Goes Red program. Students from local schools learn about heart health, stroke and CPR, as well as careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
   
• Equity Hero: Dr. Kimon Bekelis, Babylon, New York
  Kimon Bekelis, MD has worked tirelessly to ensure equal access to lifesaving stroke care on Long Island, N.Y. regardless of demographics or ability to pay. He led the development of the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center at Good Samaritan, the first Comprehensive Stroke Center on the south shore of Long Island, expanding access to high-quality stroke care for an underserved population. He believes everyone deserves an equal chance at the best possible outcome. Throughout his career, Dr. Bekelis has embodied this commitment to health equity and worked to enact meaningful improvements in equitable access to lifesaving stroke care.
   
• Group Heroes: Centre for Neuro Skills, various locations in California and Texas
  For more than 40 years, the Centre for Neuro Skills has provided community-based treatment for people recovering from brain injuries. As a recognized leader in the stroke and brain injury rehabilitation field, the Centre’s specially trained staff offer outcome-driven medical treatment, therapeutic rehabilitation and disease management services. The Centre lends its clinical expertise for educational interviews and shares inspiring stroke patient stories to local and national media for national recognition days, such as World Stroke Day and American Stroke Month, to educate the public about stroke prevention, causes and rehabilitation.
   
• Survivor Hero: Craig Northcutt, Durant, Oklahoma
  Craig Northcutt nearly lost his life in an ATV accident, leaving him with a brain bleed that caused a stroke. After months of intensive neurorehabilitation, he relearned how to walk, talk and return to work. Now he raises awareness about stroke through professional mentorship and by sharing his story with high school students and stroke survivors. Craig is celebrating his 12-year stroke anniversary and his 30-year work anniversary with the Choctaw Nation. As part of the organization’s Tribal Advocacy program, he helps tribal nation members develop their professional skills and find jobs.
   
• Voters’ Choice Hero: Rick Hoeg, Northville, Michigan
  After having a hemorrhagic stroke on Dec. 30, 2022, Rick Hoeg tackled the hardest challenge of his life: recovery. While still in aggressive outpatient rehab, Rick created a nine-part YouTube series on stroke education and prevention, often featuring his rehabilitation therapists. In his series, he taught stroke warning signs and shared his recovery journey, reaching over 100,000 viewers. Rick’s video series culminated in a $30,000 fundraiser benefiting the hospitals that saved his life. Today, he continues to educate about stroke and supports hospital staff in their vital work.

Winners were selected by a nationwide panel of volunteer judges from the American Stroke Association, with the exception of the Voters’ Choice Award, which was selected via online popular vote.

For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards.

 

A stroke ended her tenure at Stanford. Her book offers lessons for survivors, caregivers.

Article written by Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association.

A stroke ended her tenure at Stanford. Her book offers lessons for survivors, caregivers.

My reply: No answer from Nancy Brown. I doubt she ever talks to stroke survivors. I suggest everyone of you write a reply asking what she is doing for survivors.

When will the focus be on getting to 100% recovery? This extremely hard work and massive effort should never have to occur if our doctors solved the neuronal cascade of death in the first week. I could have saved 5.4 billion neurons if that had occurred. With only 171 million dead neurons I could have easily fully recovered.

World Stroke Day Is A Great Time To Take On The No. 2 Killer Around The Globe

And yet Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association, I see you doing nothing to solve any of the problems in stroke. You are taking the lazy route - fucking press releases. LEADERS tackle the tough problems. Are you a leader or NOT? Contact me at oc1dean@gmail.com and your board of directors, you and I can discuss how to get survivors 100% recovered.

World Stroke Day Is A Great Time To Take On The No. 2 Killer Around The Globe 

Nancy Brown, Contributor

CEO, American Heart Association

10/25/2017 11:24 am ET Updated 1 day ago

The story seems like fiction.

A 9-year-old boy in Latin America loses his mother to a stroke. His six older siblings raise him, providing the guidance and financial support to become the only member of their generation to attend college. Then he goes to medical school. Decades later, he’s known around the world as a physician, professor, scientist and writer focused on the disease that claimed his mother.

But Dr. José Biller’s tale is true.

And in the days leading up to Sunday – which is World Stroke Day – he’ll be doing what he does all year long: working to turn a spotlight on the second most common cause of death in the world and the No. 1 cause of adult disability.

About every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. A stroke-related death occurs about every 4 minutes. Those stats are even more excruciating when you realize that 80 percent of strokes are preventable and that advancements in treatment have improved the odds of recovery.

“What’s your reason for preventing stroke?” is the theme of this year’s World Stroke Day. For Dr. Biller, the reasons are many, and they date back to the late 1950s.

Osias “Oscar” Biller and his wife Elena emigrated from Europe to South America in 1920, settling in Argentina then moving to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay.

Oscar owned a restaurant and Elena was known as a kind, gentle, gregarious woman. The family was close-knit, with all seven children often gathering for meals and celebrations. The large brood set the Billers apart in their neighborhood as most families had only two kids.

Soon the Billers stood out for another reason.

Oscar died of a heart attack. Six months later Elena died of a stroke.

“This was the first time I encountered the word ‘stroke’ or ‘brain hemorrhage,’” José said.

His four brothers ranged in age from upper teens to early 20s, and they worked hard to keep the family afloat. His two sisters helped care for him. Seeing how stressful life was for them, José sought a different path.

“I had a lot of respect and love for my siblings because of what they did and the opportunity I was given,” he said. “I never took anything for granted.”

In medical school, José was fortunate to have excellent professors in neuroanatomy and neurology. He set out to become an internist until a rotation with a neurologist introduced him to that field’s challenges and the critical thinking skills it required.

Add in his personal experience and he’d found his calling.

“Stroke is one of the conditions where the affected patient is not the only one who has to overcome a number of issues – it’s a family disease,” said Dr. Biller, who is now the chair of the Department of Neurology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Beyond the obvious pain and anguish endured by a stroke patient, the impact can reverberate throughout a family.

It can start with the need for relatives to become caregivers. This could be for days … or decades.

Once a close relative has had a stroke, it’s another risk factor for you. You now have a family history.

“The education of family is critical, particularly among certain socioeconomic groups that perhaps do not have knowledge of the warning symptoms or risk factors,” Dr. Biller said. “Therefore I always talk about prevention. It may not be a very sexy subject, but it’s a critical component of health care.”

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is the No. 1 cause of stroke and the most important controllable risk factor. Getting it under control usually comes down to lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, becoming more physically active and drinking less alcohol.

Controlling blood pressure also lowers your risk of heart disease.

***

Educating people about stroke has all sorts of great ramifications. While prevention tops the list, another key is teaching the warning signs.

Do you know how to spot a stroke FAST?

The Research Acceleration and Innovation Network talks to Nancy Brown, CEO of AHA

I'm sorry Ms. Brown but you are totally missing the point on prevention, you are focusing on preventing the stroke in the first place and don't even mention these 11 items, rather you focus on the generalizations which can then be used to point to the reason for your stroke is the fact that you didn't follow these generalizations. And you totally miss preventing the neuronal cascade of death.
You also missed the point on allowing researchers investigator-initiated vs.  strategically focused research projects.If you ever expect to get anywhere in a decent amount of time you have to have a strategy and direct your researchers to follow that strategy. It just means your organization does not have enough knowledge and brainpower to do a decent job planning how to solve all the problems in stroke. If you can't do that simple job, get the hell out of the way for better people.
Your greatest accomplishment over the past decade would have to be nothing that any survivor finds useful.
Sorry, I give out an F.