SEATTLE, May 1, 2025 — Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke[1], one of the leading causes of serious, long-term disability. To spotlight the courage and dedication of those impacted by stroke, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is honoring seven nationwide recipients through its annual Stroke Hero Awards, including 12-year-old Makenzie Childs of Spanaway, Wash., who survived a stroke when she was in preschool.

The awards celebrate stroke survivors, caregivers, health care professionals and advocates who are advancing awareness, education and support for the stroke community nationwide. Recognized each May, during American Stroke Month, the Association — a global force changing the future of health of all — honors these Stroke Heroes and proudly advocates for stroke survivors year-round.

Those who have had a stroke often must work against physical, emotional and cognitive changes to move forward. This year’s winners demonstrate how personal experiences can drive public impact — from publishing support guides and launching nonprofits, to advocating in hospitals and local communities.

Makenzie Childs is being honored as the Pediatric Hero. After suffering a stroke, she not only pulled through after intensive therapy, now she’s a vibrant competitive dancer. The Childs family became involved with a pediatric stroke support and awareness group to help people facing the same crisis. The family also raises awareness as patient ambassadors for the local children’s hospital. Makenzie shared her experience on the Stroke Stories podcast and danced to raise funds for pediatric stroke care.

The other winners include:

Caregiver Hero: Lana Wilhelm, St. Louis
Equity Hero: Carolyn Brown, Canton, Connecticut
F.A.S.T. Hero: Sheila Beal, Raleigh, North Carolina
Group Heroes: Helping Kids with Hemiplegia, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Survivor Hero: Brisa Alfaro, Apple Valley, California
Voters’ Choice Hero: Kathleen O’Leary, Buffalo, New York

Winners were selected by a nationwide panel of volunteer judges from the American Stroke Association, except for the Voters’ Choice Award, which was selected by online popular vote.

For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org/Washington, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X.
 

For Media Inquiries:

Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org

Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org