Young Stroke Survivor Transforms Adversity into a National Message of Inspiration, Hope and Inner Strength

Winter Park, Florida At age 31, Valerie Greene was a healthy, athletic and successful business owner until a massive stroke paralyzed the left side of her body and left her unable to speak. She was lucky to be alive. Doctors told her she might never walk or talk again, and most of her hearing was lost. Sheer determination propelled her out of her wheelchair and into a new life learning once more how to walk and communicate.

After her amazing recovery, Greene dedicated her life and career promoting stroke awareness and encouraging stroke survivors. “People need to realize that anyone can have a stroke” says Greene, “even a young, healthy person.”

Shows like Larry King Live have recognized her, and many celebrities and dignitaries including Michael J. Fox, Kirk Douglas, the Lieutenant Governor of Florida, the Mayor of Orlando, and the CEO of the American Heart Association have applauded her ongoing crusade to educate others about stroke and their own inner strength. She serves as a nationwide spokesperson for organizations and private companies, such as the American Stroke Association and Biotech, Inc. Greene says, “I am honored to continue to be sponsored and retained by world-leading stroke research companies.”

Greene’s adversity has propelled her into more than a decade of accomplishments that promote stroke awareness, education, prevention and treatment. She has spoken before thousands of people throughout the United States. So what’s next? Replies Greene, “My own exciting news is that now, after the success of my first book, The Fire Within, I am writing a second one. The new book will provide the latest up-to-date information and resources, valuable toward both the prevention and treatment of a stroke.”

Greene has made several television appearances both locally and nationally on NBC, CBS, ABC and on FOX affiliates. She has been cited in multiple newspapers and magazines including Recipes for the Heart Cookbook issued by The American Heart Association. She has been named a “Stroke Hero” by The American Stroke Association. Her work at the state and congressional level to support legislation ensures stroke victims will be properly accessed and transported to an appropriate stroke treatment facility. In 2004, she was instrumental in helping to pass the Florida Stroke Act that was signed into law.

For additional information visit Greene’s website: www.ValerieGreene.com

###