Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

In her illuminated story, “I Still Matter,” Angel James shares the challenges of rebuilding her life after a stroke left her struggling to speak, walk, and read. Through the support of her family, an aphasia group, and her speech therapist, Angel slowly found the courage to speak again. By practicing with her cat, Lola, and learning to celebrate her progress, she began to rebuild her confidence and embrace her new normal. Angel’s story is a powerful reminder that we still matter, even when life changes and we struggle to find words.

As part of Beyond Stillness’s Illuminated Storyteller workshop, Angel spent seven weeks reflecting on, reframing, and reclaiming her experiences alongside fellow stroke survivors. Together, they crafted stories around the moments that shaped their new sense of purpose, connection, and hope after stroke.

Originally shared at Illuminated Stories After Stroke in Portland, Oregon, on October 1, 2026, Angel’s story reminds us to recognize our progress, believe in ourselves, and keep moving forward. As Angel says, “My name is Angel James and I am here.”

Music:

Intro Song - “Come and Find the Quiet Center” by Kirk Marcy performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Outro Song - “Benediction” performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Videography:
 
Chris Diana-Peebles of CDP Media LLC

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

In his illuminated story, “Better Version of Myself,” Mike King shares how he reached a turning point in his recovery after stroke and began to believe in a new future. Through the support of his family and the connections he found in the brain injury community, Mike rediscovered his passion for helping others. From baking with fellow survivors to hosting a support group of his own, Mike reflects on the power of letting go, making space for new relationships, and believing that life is not over.

As part of Beyond Stillness’s Illuminated Storyteller workshop, Mike spent seven weeks reflecting on, reframing, and reclaiming his experiences alongside fellow stroke survivors. Together, they crafted stories around the moments that shaped their new sense of purpose, connection, and hope post-stroke.

Originally shared at Illuminated Stories After Stroke in Portland, Oregon, on October 1, 2026, Mike’s story reminds us that we can find new paths forward, rediscover what matters to us, and become a better version of ourselves.

Music:

Intro Song - “Come and Find the Quiet Center” by Kirk Marcy performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Outro Song - “Benediction” performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Videography:
 
Chris Diana-Peebles of CDP Media LLC

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

In his illuminated story, “Kindness Lights the Way,” Brad McKenzie reflects on how seeing the Light and feeling a deep sense of peace guided him toward spreading kindness in the wake of his stroke. After losing the ability to walk and speak as he once had, Brad worked to rebuild his life and reconnect with what mattered most. Through the support of his family and the brain injury community, he found meaningful connections and a renewed passion for helping others. He went on to start a support group for stroke and brain injury survivors, guided by a simple but powerful choice: to lead with kindness.

As part of Beyond Stillness’s Illuminated Storyteller workshop, Brad spent seven weeks reflecting on, reframing, and reclaiming his experiences alongside fellow stroke survivors. Together, they crafted stories around the moments that shaped their sense of purpose, connection, and hope after stroke.

Originally shared at Illuminated Stories After Stroke in Portland, Oregon, on October 1, 2026, Brad’s story reminds us that even after life changes in unexpected ways, we can find new purpose, build meaningful connections, and choose the kind of person we want to be.

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

In her illuminated story, “Finding Strength in South America,” Tia Palafox shares how a solo adventure to Uruguay helped her rediscover her strength and independence after stroke. Walking the cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento, she reached the historic gates overlooking the ocean and declared, “I can do this.” Tia reflects on the daily challenges of recovery, the reminders that keep her moving forward, and how volunteering and community service have given her a renewed sense of purpose.

As part of Beyond Stillness’s Illuminated Storyteller workshop, Tia spent seven weeks reflecting on, reframing, and reclaiming her experiences alongside fellow stroke survivors. Together, they crafted stories around the moments that shaped their new sense of purpose, connection, and hope post-stroke.

Originally shared at Illuminated Stories After Stroke in Portland, Oregon, on October 1, 2026, Tia’s story is a powerful reminder that we are often stronger than we realize and that our experiences can open new paths to connection, service, and possibility.

Music:

Intro Song - “Come and Find the Quiet Center” by Kirk Marcy performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Outro Song - “Benediction” performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Videography:
 
Chris Diana-Peebles of CDP Media LLC

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

In his illuminated story, “Filling the Gaps,” Ray Erdmann shares how he found a way to fill the gaps in his memory after stroke. Through the kindness of a doctor and hospital staff, Ray was reunited with the people who recognized his stroke, provided lifesaving care, and helped him begin to move forward. That powerful experience inspired him to give back through volunteering, continuing his gratitude for the people who saved his life.

As part of Beyond Stillness’s Illuminated Storyteller workshop, Ray spent seven weeks reflecting on, reframing, and reclaiming his experiences alongside fellow stroke survivors. Together, they crafted stories around the moments that shaped their sense of purpose, connection, and hope.

Originally shared at Illuminated Stories After Stroke in Portland, Oregon, on October 1, 2026, Ray’s story reminds us of the power of human connection, the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms, and how gratitude can become a lasting purpose.

Music:

Intro Song - “Come and Find the Quiet Center” by Kirk Marcy performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Outro Song - “Benediction” performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Videography:
 
Chris Diana-Peebles of CDP Media LLC

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

In his illuminated story, “Moments Connect,” Roger White shares how he came to understand his recovery after stroke not as one defining turning point, but as a collection of meaningful moments. From hiking in the Wallowa Mountains to cycling around Crater Lake on his three-wheeled trike, Roger reflects on the small successes that, together, tell a much bigger story of recovery, resilience, and possibility.

As part of Beyond Stillness’s Illuminated Storyteller workshop, Roger spent seven weeks reflecting on, reframing, and reclaiming his experiences alongside fellow stroke survivors. Together, they crafted stories around the moments that shaped their sense of purpose, connection, and hope.

Originally shared at Illuminated Stories After Stroke in Portland, Oregon, on October 1, 2026, Roger’s story reminds us to recognize how far we have come and to celebrate each small moment, because even the smallest moments can become big ones when we see how they connect.

Music:

Intro Song - “Come and Find the Quiet Center” by Kirk Marcy performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Outro Song - “Benediction” performed by Portland’s Jesuit High School Chamber Singers

Videography:
 
Chris Diana-Peebles of CDP Media LLC

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

"All of us are healing together, each person's strength feeding the others." Roger thought he understood interdependence. A stroke in 2024, and the cancer behind it, showed him what he'd been missing. From the moment he regained consciousness, Roger's relationships shifted: a friend who sat quietly by his hospital bed, four guys sharing bibs and bad jokes at a rehab lunch table, fellas on paddle boards who trusted him with their truth, and ultimately his own family. Roger shares how he's learning and living the value of interdependence.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What strength are you just starting to recognize in yourself? 
• How might you share it with others?

Mentioned Resources:

• Destination Rehab
• Oregon Adaptive Sports 
• St. Charles Health System 
• Spokes Fighting Strokes 

Our Publication Partner:

A special thank you to our Publication Partner, Summit Bank, Oregon's Business Bank — our independent community bank with deep roots right here in Oregon. Their Bend branch is just down the street from both Roger and me! Much like Beyond Stillness, Summit Bank believes in cultivating personalized relationships to empower people and make a difference. Giving back to the community is at the cornerstone of their mission.  Visit - https://sbko.bank

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

"All of us are healing together, each person's strength feeding the others." Roger thought he understood interdependence. A stroke in 2024, and the cancer behind it, showed him what he'd been missing. From the moment he regained consciousness, Roger's relationships shifted: a friend who sat quietly by his hospital bed, four guys sharing bibs and bad jokes at a rehab lunch table, fellas on paddle boards who trusted him with their truth, and ultimately his own family. Roger shares how he's learning and living the value of interdependence.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What strength are you just starting to recognize in yourself? 
• How might you share it with others?

Mentioned Resources:

• Destination Rehab
• Oregon Adaptive Sports 
• St. Charles Health System 
• Spokes Fighting Strokes 

Our Publication Partner:

A special thank you to our Publication Partner, Summit Bank, Oregon's Business Bank — our independent community bank with deep roots right here in Oregon. Their Bend branch is just down the street from both Roger and me! Much like Beyond Stillness, Summit Bank believes in cultivating personalized relationships to empower people and make a difference. Giving back to the community is at the cornerstone of their mission.  Visit - https://sbko.bank

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

"I always knew I was put in this world to help others." Pina knew this as an office manager, a caregiver, a grandmother. A stroke taught her what it really means. Pina's story is about trying — one step, one word, one breath at a time — and the family, faith, and fellow survivors who made that possible. Now Pina is the one sitting with others when the words won't come, saying what someone once said to her: take your time, try again. If you've ever had to learn your own name all over again, this one is for you.

Community Conversation Prompt

How have you found a new sense of purpose post stroke?

Mentioned Resources

• Cabrillo College Stroke and Disability Center
• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Beyond Stillness collaborated with Brandi Dickinson’s Storytelling Class at Cabrillo College’s Stroke and Disability Center for Pina’s episode.

This episode was presented in partnership with Santa Clara County’s Stroke Awareness Foundation — because through education and awareness, we can save lives and improve the health of our diverse community. Visit strokeinfo.org

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

"I always knew I was put in this world to help others." Pina knew this as an office manager, a caregiver, a grandmother. A stroke taught her what it really means. Pina's story is about trying — one step, one word, one breath at a time — and the family, faith, and fellow survivors who made that possible. Now Pina is the one sitting with others when the words won't come, saying what someone once said to her: take your time, try again. If you've ever had to learn your own name all over again, this one is for you.

Community Conversation Prompt

How have you found a new sense of purpose post stroke?

Mentioned Resources

• Cabrillo College Stroke and Disability Center
• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Beyond Stillness collaborated with Brandi Dickinson’s Storytelling Class at Cabrillo College’s Stroke and Disability Center for Pina’s episode.

This episode was presented in partnership with Santa Clara County’s Stroke Awareness Foundation — because through education and awareness, we can save lives and improve the health of our diverse community. Visit strokeinfo.org

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth