testimonials
stories of survivors
stories of survivors
A stroke can happen to anyone… listen to stories of survival.
your journey matters
By sharing your story, you help others believe in their own. Let your voice be someone’s turning point.
“I thought I was too young and in too good of shape to have a stroke.”
I was a working mom running 5 days/15 miles a week. I played co-ed church softball and coached high school varsity girls basketball. On the day of my stroke, I had no signs or symptoms until my left leg gave out walking into my bedroom. In the hospital, I was determined to make more memories with my girls aged 12 and 14. Julie and the Neurology staff at ProMedica saved my life, and thank God the Stroke Assistance Fund was there when my insurance therapy benefits ran out. Now I’m actively involved with BE FAST and raising money for the Fund. I’m advocating for them the way they advocated for me.
shauna rasor
“I have no words. This morning was amazing. I am so moved by the strength of every single stroke survivor from age 2 up to 80!”
Stroke doesn’t discriminate. We are so proud of Mila and her resilience. This road has been hard for all of us and very emotional to say the least. Today, we were shown the love just like the day everyone rallied when they found out about her diagnosis. I know this love and unwavering support (from near and far) has never stopped! We thank you all so much for our first stroke survivor walk as well as those who donated. Be ready for next year because we are making it bigger! Together we raised $55,000 that helps stroke survivors with financial burden of therapies, equipment, etc. In a world that has been very sad in recent days, I am full of happiness and team Mighty Mila will continue to raise money! We have been so fortunate with early intervention and outpatient therapies that Mila is discharged from all therapies. All thanks to God’s healing hands we have our thriving angel on Earth.
Kayla Brianne
“My journey with a hemorrhagic stroke was one of the most frightening and life-changing experiences of my life. One moment I was living my normal day, and the next, everything changed. When the CT scan revealed a brain bleed, I was rushed by ambulance to the Toledo Hospital Stroke Intervention Unit.”
From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by an extraordinary team of doctors, nurses, and specialists who cared for me with not only incredible skill, but also genuine kindness and compassion. They didn’t just treat me as a patient—they treated me as a person. Through their expertise, dedication, and by God’s grace, I was given a second chance at life.
As I began the long road to recovery, this same team of caring professionals—led by Julie Shawver, PA-C, of ProMedica Neurosciences—saw that some stroke survivors needed extra support to rebuild their lives. Out of that compassion came the idea for the first BeFAST 5K Run/1M Walk, an event created to raise awareness and provide financial help for stroke survivors.
What started out as a small gathering of caring hearts at Ottawa Park has grown into a beautiful community event—one that not only raises funds, but also celebrates hope, healing, and second chances.
With faith, time, and the unwavering support of my medical team, my family, and my friends, I found the strength to heal and to return to a full, meaningful life. My stroke journey taught me to treasure each moment, to lean on my faith, and to never lose hope.
