My name is Gabriela Raso, and I know what it means to face a life-changing event and come out stronger. I never expected to found a nonprofit or lead a movement. I simply wanted to recover and get back to my life.
The Day Everything Changed
Several years ago, I experienced a serious stroke caused by a sinus vein thrombosis. Almost overnight, I lost movement on my right side. It was frightening and overwhelming, but it also became the start of a new chapter.
I spent weeks in the hospital followed by months of intensive rehabilitation in the UK. Every day I worked with physical, occupational, and speech therapists to regain strength, coordination, and independence. Progress was not always easy, but with dedication, family support, and the expertise of my care team, I began to walk again and regain my confidence.
The Long Work of Recovery
My recovery has been a journey of persistence. At first I struggled with double vision, difficulty swallowing, and fatigue, but over time many of these challenges improved. Today I still manage some lingering effects, but I also live a full and meaningful life.
I was fortunate to have excellent health insurance, a flexible employer, and a strong support system. Yet I also saw how many survivors and families do not have the same resources. The gap between hospital discharge and true rehabilitation is wide, and too many people are left to navigate it on their own.
Turning Experience into Purpose
This realization led me to create The Stroke Foundation. My brother also experienced a stroke, which reinforced how urgently we need better support for survivors and their caregivers. I wanted to ensure that no one felt isolated or lost after leaving the hospital.
The Stroke Foundation was built to provide practical help and hope. We offer financial assistance for therapies, free mental health support, educational resources, and community connections. Everything we do is shaped by lived experience—my own, my brother’s, and that of thousands of survivors and caregivers who tell us what they need most.
A Message of Hope
Today, I continue my work with gratitude. Stroke changed my life, but it also gave me purpose. I have learned that recovery is not only about regaining abilities but about rediscovering strength, resilience, and hope.
If you are a survivor, a caregiver, or someone just starting this journey, know that you are not alone. Recovery takes time and patience, but progress is possible. Every small gain matters. Every story shared helps someone heal.
Through The Stroke Foundation, we are building a world where survivors and caregivers have the resources, community, and confidence they need to move forward. I hope my story gives you strength and reassurance that brighter days are ahead.
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