B — Balance
Sudden dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of balance or coordination.
Stroke awareness & survivor support
Stroke Resources
Know the warning signs. Find support for life after stroke. Gray Matters Survivor Press connects our lived experience with trusted information for survivors, families, and caregivers.
Possible stroke? Call 911 immediately.
If any stroke warning sign appears, call 911—even if it goes away. Note when symptoms began. Use an ambulance instead of driving to the hospital.
Remember BE FAST
E — Eyes
Sudden vision changes, including blurred or double vision, or trouble seeing.
F — Face
One side of the face droops or feels numb. A smile may look uneven.
A — Arms
An arm feels weak or numb. One arm may drift down when both are raised.
S — Speech
Speech suddenly becomes slurred, unusual, or hard to understand.
T — Time
Any of these signs means it is time to call 911. Do not wait for more symptoms.
Other warning signs include sudden confusion, difficulty understanding speech, weakness or numbness in a leg or on one side of the body, and a sudden severe headache without an obvious cause.
Sources: American Stroke Association: stroke warning signs and CDC: stroke signs and symptoms.
Support for the days after
Life after stroke
American Stroke Association guides on rehabilitation, daily life, and recovery decisions.
Explore recovery resourcesSurvivors & caregivers
The American Heart Association Support Network offers a place for patients, survivors, and caregivers to connect.
Visit the Support NetworkCaregiver support
American Stroke Association resources for caregiver well-being, self-care, and the challenges of caring for someone after stroke.
Find caregiver resourcesTalk with your care team
Ask your doctor or rehabilitation team about your recovery plan, safe activities at home, and support groups near you. Bring your questions to your next visit.
Read the recovery guidesFrom Mike’s own recovery
Making became part of moving forward.
After his stroke, Mike Gaddy began making wooden practice pieces from scrap wood while regaining use of his affected hand. That work grew into Wood To Recovery. Art, poetry, and community became part of the story he now shares through Gray Matters Survivor Press.
Wood To Recovery kits
The handmade kits offer practice activities using wooden pieces and everyday objects. They grew from Mike’s personal experience. Ask your occupational therapist or rehabilitation team which activities and tools suit your needs; the kits do not replace professional rehabilitation.
Learn about Wood To RecoveryThis page shares general education and survivor experience. Your care team can give advice for your individual needs. For possible stroke symptoms, call 911.
Medical information checked September 30, 2026 against the American Stroke Association and CDC resources linked above.