May 12: Stroke Awareness Month Episode

Episode 30: Stronger After Stroke – From Patient to Purpose: Adam Maddox’s Journey

In this powerful episode of “Stronger After Stroke,” host Rosa Hart, stroke nurse navigator, sits down with Adam Maddox, a stroke survivor who’s rewriting his life story. At just 26 years old, Adam suffered a hemorrhagic stroke at his brother’s funeral — a devastating event that led to a lifesaving intervention at Norton Brownsboro Hospital.

Now a nursing student and patient care associate at the very hospital that treated him, Adam shares how his experience transformed him from a professional DJ into a future nurse. Motivated by the care he received and inspired by his care team, he’s committed to helping others recognize the warning signs and prevent strokes in young adults.

Adam opens up about his blood clot disorder, lifestyle habits and the reality that young people can have strokes too. He also shares how his recovery has inspired his 5-year-old daughter, who now wants to become a doctor herself.

Tune in to hear Adam’s compelling transformation from patient to caregiver, and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones — no matter your age.

Key takeaways:

• Strokes can happen at any age. Know the signs: sudden numbness, confusion, slurred speech and/or loss of balance
• Lifestyle choices matter. Blood pressure, diet and movement play critical roles in prevention.
• Personal stories like Adam’s help break the myth that strokes only affect older adults.
• Purpose can be found even in life’s most challenging moments.

Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share “Stronger After Stroke” with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke.

For more support after stroke, check out the programs available both virtually and in-person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/

If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare’s “MedChat” podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. “MedChat” provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.

Date of original release: May 12, 2025