Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome musician and author of Saigon Siren: Memoir of a Stroke Recovery. Antonio Iannella's journey through recovery became a testament to the healing power of creativity. From early sparks of inspiration in childhood to the intense, life-changing challenges of rebuilding himself, Antonio found music and writing to be both a refuge and a guide. Tune in to hear how he transformed adversity into a renewed sense of purpose, finding hope and joy in simple moments, and ultimately, reconnecting with the passion that saved his life.
Community Conversation Prompts:

1. What helps you get through the tough times?
2. How do you arrange your schedule to encounter moments of joy each day?

Antonio's Resources:
Saigon Siren: Memoir of a Stroke RecoverySocial Media Links - Facebook and Instagram

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA. Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens. In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators. He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal. Chris has dedicated much of his professional life to non-profit organizations and was the Executive Director of the Valley Health Foundation in Silicon Valley when he suffered a stroke in 2021. He now applies his life-lessons to stroke recovery. Throughout his story, Chris discusses the importance of facing difficulties, connecting with supportive friends, and dedicating time to a purpose. His story is entitled, “Part of Something Greater.”
Chris' Suggested Resources:
Stroke Awareness Foundation
Valley Medical Foundation
Valley Medical Center
Legally Blue
San Jose State University Occupational Therapy Program
Golf 4 Life: Balancing Life After Stroke
Headspace Meditation App

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Aaron Hachez, who suffered a stroke on April 11, 2011. Aaron, a father and appreciator of life's little moments, taught himself computer programming at age 11 and went on to work as a professional programmer for 20 years. After his stroke, he chose to pursue his passion for language by enrolling in a collegiate linguistics program, fulfilling his lifelong dream of earning a degree.

Aaron shares his recovery journey, describing the experience of waking as “a newborn in an adult body.” He offers a unique perspective on regaining consciousness, memory, speech, and mobility while seeing the world anew. Join us as he uncovers creative ways to engage and live with intention, revealing a story of deep vulnerability, strength, and the beauty of reinvention. Aaron’s Story is entitled, “Yes, and...”

Community Conversation Prompts:

1. What new and exciting creative project would you like to explore? How could you take one step towards that this week?
2. How have you created opportunities with the motto "Yes, and...?" How would you like to do so moving forward?

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Aaron Hachez, who suffered a stroke on April 11, 2011. Aaron, a father and appreciator of life's little moments, taught himself computer programming at age 11 and went on to work as a professional programmer for 20 years. After his stroke, he chose to pursue his passion for language by enrolling in a collegiate linguistics program, fulfilling his lifelong dream of earning a degree.

Aaron shares his recovery journey, describing the experience of waking as “a newborn in an adult body.” He offers a unique perspective on regaining consciousness, memory, speech, and mobility while seeing the world anew. Join us as he uncovers creative ways to engage and live with intention, revealing a story of deep vulnerability, strength, and the beauty of reinvention. Aaron’s Story is entitled, “Yes, and...”

Community Conversation Prompts:

1. What new and exciting creative project would you like to explore? How could you take one step towards that this week?
2. How have you created opportunities with the motto "Yes, and...?" How would you like to do so moving forward?

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer a community special highlighting RiverBend’s Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group. More specifically, this is one of their Zoom Social Meetings that is usually facilitated by Diane Bishop. Today, we hear reflections on their progress toward acceptance, patience, and connection, while honoring both grief and hope. They talk about priority shifts, new hobbies, and camaraderie amongst fellow stroke survivors.
Resource:

RiverBend's Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group