Valerie Giglio, a local singer, recording artist and lawyer, will share her inspiring story of recovering from a 2014 stroke at the 2022 Boston Heart and Stroke Ball on April 30.
Valerie was at the pinnacle of her singing career when a stroke paralyzed her entire left side and damaged her vocal cord – destroying her singing voice – at the age of 42.
“I was devastated following the stroke, but I refused to wallow in self-pity,” said Valerie, who lives in Stoneham. “My husband, family, and my amazing health care team helped me overcome this obstacle. Now, I want to inspire others with the story of this journey.”
Valerie is interviewed for a video that will her story to be shown at this year’s ball.
Recovery for Valerie meant spending months re-learning how to do basic things like walk, run and use her arm and hand. She spent several weeks in the hospital, followed by therapy for another year, where her grit and determination were described as “miraculous” by her therapy team.
Valerie’s love of singing and desire to perform again drove her to push hard every day, and the results speak for themselves. One year after the stroke stole her singing voice, she officially returned to the stage.
Valerie now shares her story as a volunteer for the American Heart Association. She has advocated for laws that will improve stroke care in Massachusetts and performed the national anthem at the 2017 Boston Heart Walk.
Guests will learn more about her story at this year’s ball. For tickets and information, visit bostonheartandstrokeball.heart.org.