Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we share the New Year Community Special.  We recorded our Stroke and TBI Survivor Gathering this week as a way to publicly share our celebrations from 2024 and intentions for the year ahead.  From publishing books, contributing to art shows, walking 5Ks to fostering supportive connections, our guests share what they’ve achieved and the visions that inspire their year ahead. Whether focusing on physical recovery, emotional resilience, or new beginnings, these stories remind us of the strength found in community and self-discovery. 

Community Conversation Prompts:

1. What accomplishments or personal growth in 2024 are you most proud of?
2. What do you hope to focus on or achieve in the year ahead?

Resources Mentioned:
A Lesson in Swimming by Michael Shutt
Ipsi Hand Stroke Recovery Device
Jason Lopes' Media
Nutrition - Juice Plus w Barry North
Recovery After Stroke Podcast - Bill Gasiamis Interviews Molly Buccola
Saigon Siren: A Memoir of Stroke Recovery by Antonio Iannella
Spokes Fighting Strokes
What God did in 31 Days: My Story of Healing and Hope by Kalvin Randle
Ultimate Reach Support Group w Kalvin Randle

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

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we share the New Year Community Special.  We recorded our Stroke and TBI Survivor Gathering this week as a way to publicly share our celebrations from 2024 and intentions for the year ahead.  From publishing books, contributing to art shows, walking 5Ks to fostering supportive connections, our guests share what they’ve achieved and the visions that inspire their year ahead. Whether focusing on physical recovery, emotional resilience, or new beginnings, these stories remind us of the strength found in community and self-discovery. 

Community Conversation Prompts:

1. What accomplishments or personal growth in 2024 are you most proud of?
2. What do you hope to focus on or achieve in the year ahead?

Resources Mentioned:
A Lesson in Swimming by Michael Shutt
Ipsi Hand Stroke Recovery Device
Jason Lopes' Media
Nutrition - Juice Plus w Barry North
Recovery After Stroke Podcast - Bill Gasiamis Interviews Molly Buccola
Saigon Siren: A Memoir of Stroke Recovery by Antonio Iannella
Spokes Fighting Strokes
What God did in 31 Days: My Story of Healing and Hope by Kalvin Randle
Ultimate Reach Support Group w Kalvin Randle

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

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Stephen Albright, a faith filled family man from Ohio.  In today’s episode, we hear powerful stories of resilience, faith, and forward movement. From navigating a complicated relationship with his father to facing a life-changing stroke, Steve's journey has been one of unexpected guidance and growth. His stories of pain, confusion, and faith, show the importance of asking for help, waiting, and finding a way forward.  Life doesn’t always unfold as we expect, but sometimes, the most surprising moments lead to clear paths toward purpose, connection, and hope. 

Community Conversation Prompts:

• Recall a moment you felt lost or confused during your own recovery.  How did you overcome it?
• How has asking for help in vulnerable moments benefited your recovery?

Stephen's Suggested Resources:

A Father’s Promise: Stephan Albright

Holy City of the Wichitas

How Great Thou Art by The Statler Brothers 

It’s Quite a Valley by Brian Free and Assurance 

Psychology Today

Sonder Mind and Body

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

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Stephen Albright, a faith filled family man from Ohio.  In today’s episode, we hear powerful stories of resilience, faith, and forward movement. From navigating a complicated relationship with his father to facing a life-changing stroke, Steve's journey has been one of unexpected guidance and growth. His stories of pain, confusion, and faith, show the importance of asking for help, waiting, and finding a way forward.  Life doesn’t always unfold as we expect, but sometimes, the most surprising moments lead to clear paths toward purpose, connection, and hope. 

Community Conversation Prompts:

• Recall a moment you felt lost or confused during your own recovery.  How did you overcome it?
• How has asking for help in vulnerable moments benefited your recovery?

Stephen's Suggested Resources:

A Father’s Promise: Stephan Albright

Holy City of the Wichitas

How Great Thou Art by The Statler Brothers 

It’s Quite a Valley by Brian Free and Assurance 

Psychology Today

Sonder Mind and Body

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

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Chuck Toeniskoetter, a well educated businessman, philanthropist, and family man.  In the year 2000, life was moving fast for Chuck, but on a December afternoon, his world changed in an instant.  Confused as the signs of stroke appeared, his luck took over.  The ski patrol nurse on duty knew just what to do.  Chuck received proper and timely care, which improved the outcomes of his recovery.  Within the next couple years he worked to regain abilities while also co-founding a life saving foundation.  Today, Chuck Toeniskoetter shares how his experience inspired him and the Stroke Awareness Foundation to establish Certified Stroke Centers in Santa Clara County, obtain ambulance redirection for stroke victims to Certified Stroke Centers, and raise stroke awareness.

Chuck's Suggested Resources:

Stroke Awareness Foundation
Stroke Awareness Foundation App - Find nearest stroke center

Community Conversation Prompts:

• What role does helping others play in your own recovery journey?
• What lessons from your stroke journey do you share most often with others?

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

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Chuck Toeniskoetter, a well educated businessman, philanthropist, and family man.  In the year 2000, life was moving fast for Chuck, but on a December afternoon, his world changed in an instant.  Confused as the signs of stroke appeared, his luck took over.  The ski patrol nurse on duty knew just what to do.  Chuck received proper and timely care, which improved the outcomes of his recovery.  Within the next couple years he worked to regain abilities while also co-founding a life saving foundation.  Today, Chuck Toeniskoetter shares how his experience inspired him and the Stroke Awareness Foundation to establish Certified Stroke Centers in Santa Clara County, obtain ambulance redirection for stroke victims to Certified Stroke Centers, and raise stroke awareness.

Chuck's Suggested Resources:

Stroke Awareness Foundation
Stroke Awareness Foundation App - Find nearest stroke center

Community Conversation Prompts:

• What role does helping others play in your own recovery journey?
• What lessons from your stroke journey do you share most often with others?

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

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Tania Saiz—advocate, mindset facilitator, and neurodivergent artist whose creations celebrate perfect imperfections. After surviving an ischemic stroke in August 2020, Tania faced an overwhelming sense of disconnect. Mirrors became adversaries, and her own reflection felt like a stranger—fragile and unrecognizable. Yet, amidst this void, she began to rebuild.

Through courage and patience, each moment of eye contact became an act of reconnection. What once reflected weakness grew into a mirror of strength and possibility. Tania’s story is a journey from disconnection to profound connection—with herself and her community—a testament to resilience, growth, and the beauty of rediscovery.

Tania's Suggested Resources:

American Heart/Stroke Association's Life After Stroke Guide
American Heart Association Spanish Language Stroke Website
Love Your Brain
Tania on Instagram
Tania on Facebook
Tania's Blog - Stroke of Luck

Community Conversation Prompts:

1. What has helped you rebuild your sense of self post stroke?
2. What are some small ways you’ve noticed your confidence growing since your stroke?

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

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Tania Saiz—advocate, mindset facilitator, and neurodivergent artist whose creations celebrate perfect imperfections. After surviving an ischemic stroke in August 2020, Tania faced an overwhelming sense of disconnect. Mirrors became adversaries, and her own reflection felt like a stranger—fragile and unrecognizable. Yet, amidst this void, she began to rebuild.

Through courage and patience, each moment of eye contact became an act of reconnection. What once reflected weakness grew into a mirror of strength and possibility. Tania’s story is a journey from disconnection to profound connection—with herself and her community—a testament to resilience, growth, and the beauty of rediscovery.

Tania's Suggested Resources:

American Heart/Stroke Association's Life After Stroke Guide
American Heart Association Spanish Language Stroke Website
Love Your Brain
Tania on Instagram
Tania on Facebook
Tania's Blog - Stroke of Luck

Community Conversation Prompts:

1. What has helped you rebuild your sense of self post stroke?
2. What are some small ways you’ve noticed your confidence growing since your stroke?

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

This week and next on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we take a moment to look back before venturing forward. Over the past year, we’ve been privileged to publish forty-four individual stories. Each guest has spent an average of seven weeks working one-on-one with Beyond Stillness to reflect on the wisdom gained through their recovery and craft a story to inspire fellow survivors.

In this season of thanksgiving, we’ve compiled a snippet of recovery wisdom or gratitude from each guest. Their courage to pause, reflect, and share their journey speaks volumes about the strength of the human spirit. It’s through their vulnerability and resilience that others find hope, connection, and healing.

I’m deeply honored to live and work in your presence and humbled by the Beyond Stillness community that has flourished this past year. Together, we offer our experiences to uplift and inspire one another. As Chris Wilder said in his story, “We are part of something greater.” For that, and for each of you, we are profoundly grateful.


Community Conversation Prompts:

• When reflecting upon your recovery, for whom are you grateful?  Why?
• How could you show and/or tell them this week?

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

This week and next on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we take a moment to look back before venturing forward. Over the past year, we’ve been privileged to publish forty-four individual stories. Each guest has spent an average of seven weeks working one-on-one with Beyond Stillness to reflect on the wisdom gained through their recovery and craft a story to inspire fellow survivors.

In this season of thanksgiving, we’ve compiled a snippet of recovery wisdom or gratitude from each guest. Their courage to pause, reflect, and share their journey speaks volumes about the strength of the human spirit. It’s through their vulnerability and resilience that others find hope, connection, and healing.

I’m deeply honored to live and work in your presence and humbled by the Beyond Stillness community that has flourished this past year. Together, we offer our experiences to uplift and inspire one another. As Chris Wilder said in his story, “We are part of something greater.” For that, and for each of you, we are profoundly grateful.


Community Conversation Prompts:

• When reflecting upon your recovery, for whom are you grateful?  Why?
• How could you show and/or tell them this week?

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