Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience

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Podcast by Angie Read

Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience

Welcome to Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience, the podcast that celebrates the journeys of women who have faced the unimaginable and come out stronger on the other side. Hosted by Angie Read, a two-time stroke survivor and advocate, this podcast brings you inspiring, real-life stories of women who’ve overcome the challenges of stroke and are reclaiming their lives with confidence, hope, and resilience. Each episode features intimate conversations with stroke survivors, experts, and advocates, offering valuable insights, practical advice, and emotional support for those navigating their recovery. Whether you’re a stroke survivor or someone supporting a loved one, this podcast is a source of empowerment, encouragement, and community. Please tune in and hear how these incredible women are rewriting their stories, finding strength in their vulnerability, and inspiring others to never give up. Join us and become part of a global sisterhood that believes in the power of resilience and the beauty of reclaiming life after a stroke.
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Latest episodes

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21 February 2026

Grace After Stroke While Pregnant: Bridget’s Story

In this episode of 'Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience,' host Angie Read talks with Bridget Chisadza, a young stroke survivor whose life changed forever after a brain hemorrhage while pregnant. At only 27, Bridget faced the unimaginable, a life-threatening arteriovenous malformation (AVM). She bravely shares the details of waking up with a thunderclap headache, the emergency surgery that followed, and how she emerged from a seven-day coma.

Bridget went on to give birth to a healthy baby girl, even after her brain and body "betrayed her." Bridget offers insights into adjusting to new physical limitations while giving herself grace, accepting what happened, and adapting to life after stroke.

80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases.

The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores:

Books by Angie Read:

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18 January 2026

Dismissed as a Migraine: Kathy’s Stroke Story

Kathy Wienrank’s story is a powerful reminder of how easily strokes—especially in women—can be missed. At 46, Kathy had an ischemic stroke that was initially dismissed as a complex migraine, despite clear warning signs like trouble with coordination and speech. Sent home without answers, she knew something wasn’t right and made the difficult decision to seek help again. In this episode, Kathy shares what it was like to trust her instincts when the system got it wrong, navigate recovery after misdiagnosis, and find resilience in the face of uncertainty. Her experience sheds light on the urgent need for better stroke awareness—and the importance of believing women when they say something feels different.

80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases.

The Stroke Sisters app:

Books by Angie Read:

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42:02

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10 January 2026

The Stroke That May Have Saved Her Son: Briena's Story

In this emotional episode, Briena Shaner talks about having a stroke at 24 weeks pregnant and how quick action by a friend helped save both her life and her baby’s.

She shares what came next—living with post-stroke depression, being diagnosed with epilepsy, and figuring out how to be a new mom while still recovering herself. Briena’s story is an honest look at how much life can change after stroke and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Books by Angie Read:

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01 December 2025

A Chiropractic Adjustment Leads to Stroke: Stacey’s Courageous Journey

In this episode, former teacher Stacey Amore recounts her powerful story of resilience following a sudden stroke in her 40s. Leading an active life, Stacey's outlook changed dramatically after an aggressive chiropractic neck adjustment caused a vertebral artery dissection (VAD) and resulted in several cerebellar strokes. Her path to recovery involved intense physical and occupational therapies and dealing with PTSD. Despite the hardships, she won a lawsuit linked to her stroke, underscoring the importance of self-advocacy, persistence, and courage in the wake of life-changing events.

80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Books by Angie Read:

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41:01

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17 November 2025

The Stroke Sh#tshow: Nurse Stacey Keeps it Real

In this episode of Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience, Stacy Piedrahita, a former oncology nurse, shares her unexpected journey of surviving an ischemic stroke. Initially dismissed by healthcare professionals, Stacy faced challenges that left her unable to perform daily tasks. Her nursing background proved vital in navigating the system and advocating for her care. After almost giving up on life, she pushed herself to recover enough to walk her daughter down the aisle in October.

Despite setbacks in treatment, Stacy's determination and faith have driven her remarkable recovery. She now emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and support networks, reflecting on her experiences as she continues to face other health challenges alongside her stroke recovery.

80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Books by Angie Read:

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43:04

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03 November 2025

From Disney Magic to Defying the Odds: Kristin McKenzie’s Comeback Story

Kristin McKenzie shares her remarkable journey from working in sports entertainment and Apple to navigating life after a massive stroke. With a bleak 2% chance of survival, Kristin fought against the odds and began the grueling process of recovery. Her story highlights the emotional and physical challenges of finding new meaning in life after facing life-altering experiences, including time in a skilled nursing facility filled with elderly patients, breaking an ankle, and dealing with personal and professional setbacks. Kristin's pain is raw and real, yet she refuses to give up.

80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Books by Angie Read:

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42:43

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