SEATTLE, March 7, 2024 – A Seattle resident is a finalist for a national 2024 Stroke Hero Award from the American Stroke Association and needs votes from the community to win. Donna Rae Davidson is 1 of 10 national finalists for the “Voters’ Choice Hero” award. 

The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, 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. Davidson 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. 

Playwright, lyricist, director and comedienne Donna Rae Davidson turned her experience with stroke in 2016 into art. In her play “Stroke! A Docudramedy,” Donna Rae depicts the journey of a stroke survivor from the first signs of a stroke through rehabilitation therapies, emotionally connecting with members of the audience while educating them every step of the way. Facing aphasia and apraxia, it’s especially impressive that she began dreaming up the play within days of her stroke and used its creation as fuel for her recovery. 

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. 

“I didn't know I was having a stroke, locked up the store, went to the bus, got home and went to bed,” recalls Davidson about the day of her stroke. “There was something really wrong with me, but I thought if I can get home I'll be okay. Don't do this! I didn't tell anyone, even though I worked at Pike Place Market. I was embarrassed and stubborn. Twelve hours later, I couldn't talk, use my phone or my computer. Say something!” 

For more information, visit Stroke.org/HeroAwards

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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  To reach the American Heart Association in Washington visit heart.org/Washington or on Facebook, Instagram or X.    

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
 

For Media Inquiries:

Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org

Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org 

 

[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