Stroke Hero Awards

Voters’ Choice Hero:
David Moskowitz

David Moskowitz was a healthy, active high schooler when he experienced a stroke from a brain bleed four years ago. After a delayed diagnosis, David spent nearly a month in the hospital fighting to survive. After months of therapy, David regained his mobility, strength and vision. Today, he’s completing his BSN and nursing co-op while learning from the very nurses who helped save his life. 

Equity Hero:
Andrew Suggs

Andrew Suggs created Live Chair Health in 2017 to partner with barbershops and salons to increase awareness about health issues—including stroke—that disproportionately affect Black people. The organization equips barbers and hairdressers with blood pressure monitors and health information that allow more Black people to get preventative care, lower their blood pressure and live longer.

Caregiver Hero:
Elyse Newland

Elyse Newland became frustrated when her grandmother got inconsistent care after a warning stroke called a transient ischemic attack in 2019. So the Chattanooga, Tennessee, native changed her career focus to become a certified stroke rehabilitation specialist. Elyse then started several free public channels for stroke rehab education via YouTube, blog posts, an eBook and a nonprofit.

Group Heroes:
IAPS

The International Alliance for Pediatric Stroke (IAPS) educates and raises awareness about stroke among children. The IAPS advocates on state, national and world levels through various efforts, including its annual Pediatric Stroke Awareness Campaign in May and collaborative efforts with organizations like the American Stroke Association.

Pediatric Hero:
Kyler Lewis

Texas teenager Kyler Lewis shares his story as a pediatric stroke survivor to educate and inspire others. He uses social media such as Facebook, YouTube and CaringBridge, as well as local news interviews and community functions, to document his recovery after his stroke in 2020 at age 15. Kyler mails pediatric stroke survivors gifts, encourages them in their recovery and shows them they’re not alone.

Survivor Hero:
Deb Shaw

After three strokes, Deb Shaw created Champion the Challenges, a California nonprofit in which she encourages stroke survivors to pursue her 3P’s for a successful recovery: Patience, Positivity and Practice. Deb encourages stroke survivors to reimagine their rehabilitation journey. Her website, YouTube channel and Quick Read™ booklets are filled with inspirational content, therapy ideas, health care technology and success stories.