Stroke Buddies is a collaborative self-management group for stroke survivors, their families, and healthcare professionals. We believe that individuals must take an active role in their recovery, often achieving significant progress through dedicated efforts at home. While physical and occupational therapists serve as invaluable guides, our community emphasizes the power of shared experiences to prevent each survivor from having to "reinvent the wheel" during their recovery journey.

With over 7.6 million stroke survivors in the United States and approximately 795,000 individuals experiencing a stroke each year, the need for a supportive network is immense. At Stroke Buddies, we strive to be there for survivors when they need us most, offering a platform where experiences are shared, questions are answered, and lifelong friendships are formed.​

​Stroke Buddies has cultivated a robust and engaged social media presence, providing invaluable support and resources to stroke survivors worldwide. Our online communities include:​

• Stroke Buddies: By and For Stroke Survivors: A Facebook group with over 8,400 members, offering a platform for survivors to share experiences, seek advice, and find encouragement. ​

• Young Stroke Survivors Support Group: Managed in collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina’s Stroke Recovery Research Center (SRRC), this group boasts over 14,400 members, focusing on the unique challenges faced by younger stroke survivors.

Additionally, our founder, Ralph Preston, has developed several specialized subgroups to cater to diverse interests and recovery activities, including:​

• Nutrition After Stroke

• Wellness After Stroke

• Fitness After Stroke

• Guitar After Stroke

• Gaming After Stroke

These groups are led by dedicated members who promote engagement, recruit new participants, and generate relevant content. ​

Our collective social media initiatives have successfully connected thousands of stroke survivors, fostering a supportive and resourceful community dedicated to recovery and mutual support.