Happy 2026!

I found 2025 to be a wild year - personally, professionally, mentally, and yes, even therapeutically. As many of you probably know, I’m no spring chicken when it comes to stroke recovery - I’m 8.5 years post-injury and what medical professionals consider to be a “chronic” patient. Many doctors will tell you you won’t make much progress outside of the acute phase, but I am here to challenge that and I have proof that progress is possible no matter how far out from injury you are.

And speaking of rehab and therapy, I’m so excited to be heading back to New Albany, Ohio for the third time to do another round of stroke recovery bootcamp. I completed the three-week intensive program in May and again in September of 2025 - each time seeing bigger improvements than the last time. Luckily for me, I get so excited over the smallest gains because I know that these are the foundation and building blocks needed to accumulate more progress. My first time there, I found I was able to open a heavy door with my affected hand for the first time, something I haven’t done in years. My hand has loosened and my spasticity decreased such that I can now actually open my hand and I even have some pincer movement now with my thumb and middle finger! It’s crazy the gains I have seen 8.5 years out from my stroke at NeuroAnimation, and I can’t wait to see what gains I can make this time around!

Wanted to let you all know there will also be a NeuroAnimation webinar on January 13th on “Recovery Beyond Expectations.” As a graduate of the program myself who has seen fantastic cognitive and physical gains as a result, I highly encourage you to attend if you’re looking to improve your physical, mental, cognitive, and even fatigue and brain fog post-stroke.

Scroll down for some video highlights of gains I experienced at NeuroAnimation.

One of the best parts about coming to NeuroAnimation was building community with other survivors going through the program at the same time as me. It’s so cool to connect with others IRL and share the journey. In September there was a group of us all staying at the hotel and we would go out to dinner and happy hour together. It was so fun! My goal is to help set up more cohorts of survivors going through the program.

Also I’m the host of the NeuroAnimation Grow Your Brain Podcast! Do me a favor and subscribe to our channel below, 2 episodes are out already with more coming soon!

I will likely be back again in a few months after this, so if you’re also planning to come around early May, let’s connect and coordinate timing. I started a NeuroAnimation group chat on Instagram for alumni and those interested to join the program and connect with others coming and who have done it. Join the groupchat here. And click the button below to schedule a discovery call with the NeuroAnimation team. Hope to see you in New Albany!

It’s a new year, so of course it’s time to get ready for the next Fast Fwd Summits! Mark your calendars for Fast Fwd NYC on Friday, April 24th. Register and book your accommodations here. Hope to see you this spring in NYC to connect with fellow survivors, caregivers, and community resources.

Ah ok there’s so much to cover in this newsletter, hopefully you’re still with me lol. I want to remind that this year I’ll be hosting my second group trip - Athens to Santorini from September 24-30, 2026! We have 9 amazing individuals already booked and I’m getting so incredibly excited to explore the ancient ruins of Athens and the pristine and crystal-clear beaches of Santorini with you!

Check out the week’s itinerary and reserve your spot on the trip of a lifetime! I’d love to have you join the trip.

Last but not least, the January Community Call will take place on Wednesday, January 28 @ 2 pm EST. I will still be in Ohio at NeuroAnimation and freshly back from Sundance Film Festival! Register here for the January Community Zoom Call.

That’s all for now, more updates to come soon! Hope to see you on our Jan Community Call. Any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out in the meantime.

Lots of love.

xxx

Onward,

Maddi