Episode 26: Lost in Translation: Bella’s Stroke Journey Abroad

Episode summary
In this episode of “Stronger After Stroke,” stroke nurse navigator and host Rosa Hart interviews Bella Portaro-Kueber, a stroke survivor who shares her remarkable journey of resilience after experiencing a stroke while on vacation in a foreign country. Bella opens up about the fear and uncertainty of receiving medical care in a language she didn’t understand, as well as her decision to keep her stroke private for two years before finding the courage to share her story. Her experience highlights the challenges of navigating recovery far from home and the importance of self-advocacy, healing and embracing vulnerability. Bella’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in sharing and the journey to a new normal.

Connect with Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers for support after stroke:

https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/services/stroke-faqs/patient-resources/

Subscribe to the “Stronger After Stroke” podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave feedback or suggestions for future topics in the comments. Tune in next month for another episode!

If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare’s other podcast, “MedChat,” available in your favorite podcast app. “MedChat” provides CME on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians to get the latest updates on adult and pediatric topics.

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. Five Louisville hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient general care as well as specialty care, including heart, neuroscience, cancer, orthopedic, women’s and pediatric services. 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: Jan. 13, 2025

Podcast editing and production by www.unmuteaudio.com