Tania Saiz, stroke survivor
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Stroke MavenARTIST | ADVOCATE | AMPLIFIER
Stroke is a sudden, life-altering event—one that can arrive without warning and reshape every part of who you are, how you move, how you think, and how you see the world. Becoming a stroke survivor means learning a new language of patience, resilience, and self-trust, and often navigating a healthcare system and recovery process that can feel overwhelming and isolating.
The name Stroke Maven grew from this journey. A “maven” is someone who gathers knowledge, makes sense of it, and shares it generously. In the aftermath of my stroke, I found myself doing exactly that—learning everything I could about brain injury, recovery, mindfulness, resilience, and what it truly means to live well after trauma. My focus on advocacy and art grew organically as I healed. Along the way, I realized that if I was going to find deeper meaning in the question “Why me?”, it would be through helping others feel less alone, more informed, and more empowered. |
Inspiration, move me brightly…
Use the slider to see my work transform.
Stroke: A Personal and Global Reality
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Did you know? Stroke is the third leading cause of death for women in the U.S. and kills more women than many realize. One in five women will experience a stroke in her lifetime—and in 2020, I became one of them. Raising awareness, sharing resources, and supporting recovery can save lives and empower women affected by stroke.
I launched this blog in March 2022 during Brain Injury Awareness Month as part of my own healing. At the time, I wasn’t quite ready to fully share my story. Today, I have found my voice and feel called to speak up—raising awareness, fostering understanding, and supporting others navigating life after stroke. On August 8, 2026, I will mark six years since my stroke. My hope is that this space continues to be a source of healing for me and, through honest storytelling and shared experience, a source of comfort, insight, and connection for others. Thank you for being here. I hope something you find resonates. #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeRecovery #LifeAfterStroke #MoreThanMyBrainInjury #BrainInjuryAwareness #StrokeAdvocate #RehabJourney #ArtAndHealing #HealingThroughArt #StrokeCommunity #RaisingAwareness
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We have the power to choose who and how we want to be in the world each and every moment, regardless of what external circumstances we find ourselves in. Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
I’m featured in this New York Times story, sharing my experience and highlighting how pregnancy complications can increase stroke risk and the importance of awareness and support. → Read the article |
Meet Stevie Nicks Gypsy of Walworth—my rescued cattle dog–corgi mix and self-trained service dog. Our journey shows that with dedication and support, training your own service dog is possible. → Meet Stevie Nicks |
Recovery is a journey best shared. The six-week LoveYourBrain Mindset program and in-person retreats have been central to my healing — and they could support yours too. → Explore LoveYourBrain |