Who We Are
Rebuilding Lives, One Step at a Time
Founded by a stroke survivor and her family, The Stroke Foundation exists to help families navigate life after stroke with guidance, resources, and meaningful support. We help close the gap between hospital discharge and long-term recovery by funding rehabilitation, connecting families to trusted resources, and advocating for more equitable access to care. Our work is deeply personal, and our mission is simple: no stroke survivor or caregiver should have to face recovery alone.
Our Partners
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Our Story
Born from Experience. Driven by Empathy.
Recovery doesn't end at discharge. That's where we begin.
The Stroke Foundation was founded by a stroke survivor and her family after experiencing firsthand just how overwhelming and under-supported life after stroke can be. While hospitals handle the emergency, most survivors and caregivers are left to navigate the long road to recovery on their own, without the guidance or resources they truly need.
We exist to change that.
The Stroke Foundation is a community-funded patient advocacy organization committed to filling the critical care gap in stroke recovery. We provide stroke survivors and caregivers with the tools, support, and information they need to navigate every part of life after stroke—from rehabilitation and mental health to financial aid, and family caregiving.
Whether it’s funding therapy, offering step-by-step guidance, connecting people to trusted resources, or simply reminding them they’re not alone—we're here for the long haul.
The Stroke Foundation was founded by a stroke survivor and her family after experiencing firsthand just how overwhelming and under-supported life after stroke can be. While hospitals handle the emergency, most survivors and caregivers are left to navigate the long road to recovery on their own, without the guidance or resources they truly need.
We exist to change that.
The Stroke Foundation is a community-funded patient advocacy organization committed to filling the critical care gap in stroke recovery. We provide stroke survivors and caregivers with the tools, support, and information they need to navigate every part of life after stroke—from rehabilitation and mental health to financial aid, and family caregiving.
Whether it’s funding therapy, offering step-by-step guidance, connecting people to trusted resources, or simply reminding them they’re not alone—we're here for the long haul.
What We Do
Filling the Gaps That Matter Most
Stroke doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. For many, that’s when the real work — and real struggle — begins. We focus on the areas where survivors and their families are often left behind — emotionally, financially, and practically. Here’s how we help:
Financial support for essential therapies
Many stroke survivors need ongoing physical, speech, or occupational therapy — but not all of it is covered by insurance. We offer direct financial assistance through our Stroke Survivor Fund to help close that gap and make recovery more accessible.
Mental health care through BetterHelp
The emotional toll of a stroke is profound. We partner with BetterHelp to provide up to 6 months of free talk therapy for survivors and caregivers, helping them manage anxiety, depression, and the emotional weight.
Free downloadable education and prevention resources
Knowledge is power — especially when it’s free, accessible, and easy to share. We create and distribute printable materials that help individuals and communities recognize the signs of stroke, understand risk factors, and support prevention efforts.
Support and guidance for caregivers
Behind every survivor is someone trying to help — often without a roadmap. We provide tools, information, and encouragement for caregivers who are navigating a role that is both critical.
Programs built by survivors, for survivors
Everything we create is grounded in lived experience. From eligibility forms to FAQs, we prioritize clarity, empathy, and usefulness — because we know what it feels like to search for answers when you're tired, scared, and overwhelmed.
Need Support or Have Questions? We're Here.
Our Team
Community-Powered. Expert-Guided. Survivor-Led.
We are a network of lived experience, medical insight, and mission-driven passion. Our core team includes stroke survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates.
We are also proud to collaborate with trusted partners — from health tech companies to nonprofit allies — who help expand our reach and amplify our impact.
Founder, Stroke Survivor, and Board Chair
Gabriela Raso, M.D | 2026 Stroke Hero
I started The Stroke Foundation because no one should have to recover alone. We’re here to make life after stroke more supported, more connected, and filled with hope.
Board Member
Gonzalo Rago, B.S.
This mission is personal. I saw what stroke recovery really takes, and I work every day to make sure survivors and families don’t have to face it alone.
Executive Director
Florencia Rago, M.B.A.
Stroke changes everything. We improve life after stroke by closing care gaps, building community, and ensuring survivors and caregivers get the support they need to move forward.
Program Coordinator
Lucila Rago, M.S.
I connect stroke survivors and caregivers to the support, guidance, and resources that make recovery possible.
Special Projects Manager
Tamara Kilgore
I care deeply about work that makes a difference. Being part of this mission means keeping all the moving pieces aligned behind the scenes so our team can focus on what matters most — supporting stroke survivors. I’m proud to use my air traffic control skills to help make that happen.
Designer
Meghna Chitturi
I’m passionate about intentional and inclusive design that helps people feel seen, supported, and connected to the resources they need.
How We Help
Stroke doesn’t end when you leave the hospital.
For many, that’s when the real work — and real struggle — begins. We focus on the areas where survivors and their families are often left behind — emotionally, financially, and practically.
Here’s how we help:
Here’s how we help:
MORE THAN
$123,000
$123,000
Invested in stroke rehabilitation and recovery support
38
STATES
STATES
Reached through our national support programs
600+ therapy
sessions
sessions
Made possible for stroke survivors facing barriers to rehabilitation
1,000+ survivors
and families
and families
Connected to direct support, trusted resources, and recovery services
Find Support
For Stroke Survivors and their Caregivers
Stroke Survivor Fund
We can help cover some of the costs of physical, speech, or occupational therapies. Read about our Stroke Survivor Fund.
Talk therapy with BetterHelp
Our friends at BetterHelp have generously donated 6 months of free therapy for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
Medical Debt Relief
Free support to help families understand hospital bills and find out if they qualify for medical debt relief.
Virtual Speech Therapy
Free access to AI-powered speech therapy support for stroke survivors working on communication recovery.
Caregiving Fund
Short-term financial support to help stroke survivors and families access licensed in-home care during recovery.
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Life After Stroke Blog
Practical articles, recovery guidance, and caregiver support to help families navigate life after stroke with more clarity and confidence.
