American Stroke Association will recognize six award winners in May
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 6, 2024 – A West Palm Beach resident is a finalist for a national 2024 Stroke Hero Award from the American Stroke Association and needs votes from the community to win. Nikki Ganz Stahl is 1 of 10 national finalists for the “Voters’ Choice Hero” award.
The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is honoring individuals and groups in the stroke community from around the U.S. who have shown resilience and outstanding progress with its annual Stroke Hero Awards program. Stahl was selected out of more than 200 nominations nationwide to be a candidate for the “Voters’ Choice Hero” award.
The public may vote at Stroke.org/HeroAwards now through March 20. Winners will be announced on May 1, 2024, during American Stroke Month.
Stahl’s caregiving story began when her beloved father, Robert Ganz, experienced a stroke. She was present for every step of his rehabilitation – never missing a therapy session, or an opportunity to be a part of his care. In the five years after his stroke, Ganz was able to experience many milestones with his family, including dancing in his wheelchair with Stahl on her wedding day.
Since his passing, Stahl has been a powerful advocate for stroke, communicating with other families experiencing life after a stroke, and even writing and illustrating a children’s book, “Pops on Wheels,” about the special relationship her father had with his grandson.
Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke[1], according to the 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of U.S. and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Those who have had a stroke often must overcome physical, emotional and cognitive changes to move forward. To do so requires strength and support.
“My Dad was the most present, vibrant and wonderful father. When his stroke almost took him from us, we knew more time together was our greatest gift and we weren’t going to waste a minute of it,” Stahl says. “If you are at day one, hold onto the tiny wins. They got us back home and back to living life together as a family.”
For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards.
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.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
[1] S S Martin; et al Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2024 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2024; 149:e347–e913. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209