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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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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19 October 2025

From Superwoman to Boundary Queen: Christina's Stroke Journey

In this episode of Stroke Sisters, Christina Fletcher shares her transformative journey from a health-conscious single mom to a stroke survivor. Despite being in peak physical condition, she experienced sudden, unexpected changes, including vision loss and mobility issues, due to a stroke. Christina discusses her initial shock, the ensuing challenges, and how the discovery of an undiagnosed heart defect, a PFO, upended her life. Through her story, she reveals the courage it takes to slow down, rely on others, and find peace in adversity. This candid conversation offers insights into the resilience needed to adapt after a life-altering event.

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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08 September 2025

Healing Through Humor: Tracy's Remarkable Journey

In this episode of Stroke Sisters, Tracy Hazelwood shares her remarkable journey of recovery following a massive stroke at the age of 51. A medical procedure intended to prevent a stroke ironically led to one. Tracy discusses her intense rehab, the emotional toll of losing close family members during this period, and how her humor and supportive network aided in her recovery. She also highlights the importance of community, including her family, friends, and the Stroke Sisters group, in fostering her resilience and helping her find joy even in the face of ongoing challenges.

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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31:30

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24 August 2025

Strokes on a Plane: Erin McLaughlin Hartney's Incredible Tale

Erin McLaughlin Hartney's life took a dramatic turn when she experienced seven strokes mid-flight at the age of 35. Leaving behind her career as a financial controller, Erin faced numerous challenges, from relearning to speak and walk to finding new purpose. Through determination, therapy, and community engagement, including volunteering and moving to Ireland, she created a life beyond her strokes. Despite the emotional and physical hurdles, Erin's story is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the power of embracing new beginnings, proving that life's setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for personal growth and rediscovery.

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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21 July 2025

Carrieann’s Stroke Story: Reclaiming What Was Stolen

Carrieann Holzworth's story is an extraordinary one, marked by a surprising discovery of multiple strokes at just 39 without any hospital stay. Initially noticing a stutter and difficulty writing, her symptoms led to an MRI revealing numerous strokes. Despite facing comprehension, physical, and spatial difficulties, she not only managed to continue her job at the Federal Railroad Administration but also undertook intensive therapy to regain essential skills. Carrieann's journey is a powerful testament to her resilience, grace, and determination to reclaim her independence and adapt to her new reality.

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28 June 2025

Reach Out! Janice Johnson's Triumph Over Stroke

Janice Johnson, a retired tech industry pioneer and Black woman, shares her incredible story of resilience after surviving a bilateral stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with paralysis and the inability to speak, Janice’s recovery journey was challenging. Her husband and daughter played crucial roles in her rehabilitation. Janice’s husband, a social worker, secured necessary services to aid her recovery. Her mental toughness, rooted in being born during the civil rights movement, helped her overcome the challenges of 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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40:08

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