In this episode of 33 Conversations, Michael Abney speaks with Ralph Preston, founder of Stroke Buddies, about the long and often unsupported road after stroke.

Ralph shares how his own stroke nearly 18 years ago revealed a major gap in recovery support: survivors often receive care at the beginning, but are left to navigate the physical, emotional, mental, and identity challenges that continue long after formal therapy ends.

The conversation explores stroke recovery, self-advocacy, caregiver support, physical therapy, emotional resilience, neuroplasticity, community building, and the personal discipline required to keep going when progress is slow.

This episode is for stroke survivors, caregivers, health advocates, mission-driven founders, and anyone rebuilding after a life-changing event.

It is worth listening to because Ralph’s story is not only about recovery. It is about what happens when someone sees a gap, refuses to ignore it, and builds something that helps others feel less alone.