American Heart Association logo American Stroke Association

Stroke Hero Awards

Honoring individuals and groups in the stroke community who have shown resilience and outstanding progress.

 
The 2027 Stroke Hero Awards will begin accepting nominations on October 1, 2026.

Carolyn Brown is sitting outside in the grass holding her Stroke Hero Award trophy.

The Stroke Hero Awards are awarded to those who educate, inspire and raise awareness about stroke locally or nationally.

Learn more about our previous Stroke Hero Award recipients


Stroke is the No. 4 killer and a leading cause of disability in the U.S.

Award Categories

Nominations are accepted in all five award categories from Oct. 1 at 8 a.m. CT to Nov. 4, 2026 at 8 p.m.

B.E. F.A.S.T. Hero

Honors a person who recognized the warning signs of a stroke and acted fast to get help for the person having a stroke. This award is for a friend, family member, coworker or bystander, not a healthcare provider acting in a professional capacity. We encourage survivors who recognized their own stroke symptoms to nominate themselves in the Survivor Hero category.

Preview the B.e. F.a.s.t. Hero nomination questions (PDF)


Caregiver Hero

Honors a person who has cared for a stroke survivor and used their experience to educate, inspire and bring awareness about stroke. This award is for a personal caregiver, not a healthcare provider acting in a professional capacity.

Preview the Caregiver Hero nomination questions (PDF)


Community Impact Hero

Honors a person or group whose goal is to promote equitable health for those at risk for stroke, stroke survivors and stroke caregivers, ensuring that everyone, everywhere has the opportunity to be healthy. Nominated groups can include stroke support groups, stroke teams, medical facilities, families or others who have come together to educate, inspire and bring awareness to stroke.

Preview the Community Impact Hero nomination questions (PDF)


Pediatric Hero

Honors a person who is under the age of 18, has survived a stroke and overcome significant hurdles and whose family has used its experience to educate, inspire and bring awareness to stroke.

Preview the Pediatric Hero nomination questions (PDF)


Survivor Hero

Honors a person who has survived a stroke and used their experience to educate, inspire and bring awareness about stroke.

Preview the Survivor Hero nomination questions (PDF)

Awards Timeline

Date(s) Activity
Oct. 1 – Nov. 4, 2026 Nominations accepted
Nov. – Dec. 2026 Nominations judged
Mid-April 2027 Winners announced

Support That Empowers

Recovery becomes so much more manageable when you have the right kind of emotional support. Our online community of patients, survivors and caregivers is here to keep you going no matter the obstacles. We’ve been there, and we won’t let you go it alone.
graphic of man on laptop with super hero shadow

Together to End Stroke® E-newsletter

Designed for healthcare professionals and stroke leaders to stay informed on the latest insights in stroke.

Stroke Connection® E-newsletter

News, resources and stories for survivors of stroke and their caregivers.