Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

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.

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?

Suggested Resources:

• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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.

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?

Suggested Resources:

• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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 spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA.  Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens.  In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators.  He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal.  Chris has dedicated much of his professional life to non-profit organizations and was the Executive Director of the Valley Health Foundation in Silicon Valley when he suffered a stroke in 2021.  He now applies his life-lessons to stroke recovery.  Throughout his story, Chris discusses the importance of facing difficulties, connecting with supportive friends, and dedicating time to a purpose.  His story is entitled, “Part of Something Greater.”

Mentioned Resources:

• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App
• Valley Medical Foundation
• Valley Medical Center
• Legally Blue
• San Jose State University Occupational Therapy Program
• Golf 4 Life: Balancing Life After Stroke
• Headspace Meditation App

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How do you stay motivated in difficult times?
• In what ways do you join with others to work toward something greater?

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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 spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA.  Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens.  In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators.  He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal.  Chris has dedicated much of his professional life to non-profit organizations and was the Executive Director of the Valley Health Foundation in Silicon Valley when he suffered a stroke in 2021.  He now applies his life-lessons to stroke recovery.  Throughout his story, Chris discusses the importance of facing difficulties, connecting with supportive friends, and dedicating time to a purpose.  His story is entitled, “Part of Something Greater.”

Mentioned Resources:

• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App
• Valley Medical Foundation
• Valley Medical Center
• Legally Blue
• San Jose State University Occupational Therapy Program
• Golf 4 Life: Balancing Life After Stroke
• Headspace Meditation App

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How do you stay motivated in difficult times?
• In what ways do you join with others to work toward something greater?

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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 Grace Tsang. On October 30, 2021, her friends spotted the signs of stroke—slurred speech, a drooping face—and got her the swift, comprehensive care that saved her life and improved her outcome. But healing didn’t stop there. Grace shares how choosing gratitude and a new perspective helped her rebuild not just her body, but her outlook. Join us as she reflects on the lessons that continue to shape how she lives today.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• What perspective shifts helped you rebuild physically and/or emotionally after stroke?
• How has the experience of stroke reshaped your approach to self-care and wellness?

Guest's Suggested Resources:

• Emotional Guidance Scale
• Mountain View Transcendental Meditation Center
• Grace Tsang LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook
• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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 Grace Tsang. On October 30, 2021, her friends spotted the signs of stroke—slurred speech, a drooping face—and got her the swift, comprehensive care that saved her life and improved her outcome. But healing didn’t stop there. Grace shares how choosing gratitude and a new perspective helped her rebuild not just her body, but her outlook. Join us as she reflects on the lessons that continue to shape how she lives today.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• What perspective shifts helped you rebuild physically and/or emotionally after stroke?
• How has the experience of stroke reshaped your approach to self-care and wellness?

Guest's Suggested Resources:

• Emotional Guidance Scale
• Mountain View Transcendental Meditation Center
• Grace Tsang LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook
• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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 Carmine Indindoli who shares the journey of relearning how to walk, talk, and live with intention, drawing inspiration from his love of gardening, family, and fellow survivors. Through patience, persistence, and community, he found healing and growth, not just in the soil, but within himself.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How do you incorporate therapy (physical, occupational, cognitive, speech, etc.) into activities you enjoy?
• How has sharing your story or listening to others' stories helped your healing process?

Suggested Resources:

• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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 Carmine Indindoli who shares the journey of relearning how to walk, talk, and live with intention, drawing inspiration from his love of gardening, family, and fellow survivors. Through patience, persistence, and community, he found healing and growth, not just in the soil, but within himself.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How do you incorporate therapy (physical, occupational, cognitive, speech, etc.) into activities you enjoy?
• How has sharing your story or listening to others' stories helped your healing process?

Suggested Resources:

• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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 Frida Swenson. After an Ischemic stroke in March 2020 left her unable to speak, Frida faced the challenges of aphasia, isolation, and frustration. Through determination and heart, she worked to reclaim her voice—and discovered a new purpose in supporting others on similar paths. Join us as she shares her powerful journey of recovery, connection, and hope.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How has your understanding of patience and resilience shifted throughout your recovery?
• How has sharing your journey with others—whether through videos, conversations, or support groups—impacted your healing process?

Suggested Resources:

• Frida's TikTok and Instagram
• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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 Frida Swenson. After an Ischemic stroke in March 2020 left her unable to speak, Frida faced the challenges of aphasia, isolation, and frustration. Through determination and heart, she worked to reclaim her voice—and discovered a new purpose in supporting others on similar paths. Join us as she shares her powerful journey of recovery, connection, and hope.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How has your understanding of patience and resilience shifted throughout your recovery?
• How has sharing your journey with others—whether through videos, conversations, or support groups—impacted your healing process?

Suggested Resources:

• Frida's TikTok and Instagram
• Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke
• Stroke Awareness Foundation of Santa Clara County, CA
  • Sign up for the Fight Stroke Walk on May 4th
  • Find the Nearest Stroke Center App

Know the Signs, Save a Life - BEFAST

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

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