From Awareness to Action: how education changed one stroke survivor’s story

smiling man with beard and wearing a button down shirt and jacket

At 43 years old, Jim Green was the picture of health. An avid athlete training for a triathlon, he spent his days running, swimming and pushing his physical limits. Stroke was the last thing on his mind. But one evening, after a long day of training, his life changed in an instant. “The entire right … Read more

Carrying the Torch: Sue Rodeman’s story and the power of B.E. F.A.S.T.

During Stroke Awareness Month, a Caretaker of the Torch from the Rochester Heart Ball shares how acronym ‘B.E. F.A.S.T.’ can save a life. As a Caretaker of the Torch at this year’s Rochester Heart Ball, Sue Rodeman represented survivors, families and advocates who are helping move the American Heart Association’s mission forward. But what many … Read more

Pediatric nurse practitioner and two-time stroke survivor spearheads local women’s heart health movement in Buffalo

Kelly Naab to chair the American Heart Association’s Buffalo 2025-26 Go Red for Women initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in Buffalo and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to … Read more

Three years after a stroke, Boston woman walks to save lives

Alissa Smith, a Boston stroke survivor, is raising awareness and support through the Boston Heart Walk and the American Heart Association.

30 Years of Saving Hearts: John & Melissa Rataiczak

When it comes to the Heart Ball, getting a dedicated chair is key to a successful event. Luckily, for the West Virginia team and the Ohio Valley Heart Ball, they have had an incredible pair of chairs for 30 years! Since 1995, John and Melissa Rataiczak have led the charge for the American Heart Association … Read more

1 Million Dollar Transformational Gift Creates Big Change in Delaware

The American Heart Association is excited and humbled to announce, Thom Harvey, Chairman & CEO of Harvey Hanna & Associates (HHA) and his wife Robin have donated 1 million dollars to forward the mission of the American Heart Association in the state of Delaware. With this transformational gift, the Harvey and Hanna Family Healthy Hearts … Read more

F.A.S.T. Friday – Survivor Spotlight – NeAnna

I am a survivor. I am a 40-year-old mom of three boys, a hairless Chinese crested and black cat and at the age of 33, I suffered my first silent stroke. I was employed with an organization that presented extremely intense situations daily. While I loved my career greatly and especially adored my colleagues, I … Read more

F.A.S.T. Friday – Survivor Spotlight

My name is Olivia Richardson and I am a two-time stroke survivor, former LVAD patient, and heart-transplant recipient. I was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and had my first stroke at the age of 25. This was a shock to me because I had always been an athlete and been healthy all my life. After my … Read more

Approximately 3,000 Rochester NY, Monroe County area residents will have a stroke this year

On World Stroke Day, October 29th, the American Stroke Association offers tips to improve wellness and prevent stroke ROCHESTER NY — October 29 is World Stroke Day and the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, which is the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke, provides … Read more