Our Foundation: Inspired by Compassion and Community

Stroke Buddies began with a simple but powerful belief: no one should have to recover from a stroke alone. Our founder, Ralph Preston, credits his mother for teaching him, by example, the importance of living with a big heart and following the golden rule. This foundation of empathy and service shaped Ralph’s life—from his early days as a video producer for nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, to his own journey as a stroke survivor and advocate.

A Life-Altering Event and a New Mission

In 2009, Ralph experienced a hemorrhagic stroke that affected his left side. Despite the challenges, he left the rehab hospital determined to regain his independence. But once home, he realized how isolating recovery could be. The resources and support he had in the hospital were suddenly out of reach. Like 800,000 other stroke survivors sent home each year, Ralph felt left to “reinvent the wheel.”

As a logical problem-solver, Ralph saw this as a system that needed fixing. He knew he could use his skills as a communicator and video producer to make a difference. He began creating videos and sharing his recovery journey, hoping to inspire and support others facing similar challenges.

Turning Adversity Into Advocacy

Ralph’s recovery was not just about regaining his own abilities—it became about helping others do the same. He returned to cycling, even competing in the Senior Games just a year after his stroke, making a statement about what’s possible after stroke. He began speaking at hospitals and stroke networks, raising funds and awareness, and collaborating with organizations like the North Carolina Stroke Association and Young Stroke.

Despite setbacks—such as ambitious video projects that couldn’t find full funding—Ralph kept moving forward, adapting his approach and focusing on what he could do directly for survivors.

Building Stroke Buddies: A Survivor-Led Community

Recognizing the lack of survivor-driven resources, Ralph founded an online support group with a unique approach: by and for stroke survivors. Unlike many resources created by hospitals or clinicians, Stroke Buddies is built on the belief that true recovery comes from taking ownership of one’s journey. The group emphasizes self-management, peer support, and the idea that improvement happens at home, not just in weekly therapy sessions.

Ralph personally assisted local survivors with physical therapy, pool therapy, and daily exercises—often adapting and inventing techniques based on his own experience. Over time, he worked with 12 local survivors, always focusing on practical, at-home improvement.

A Growing, Collaborative Network

What began as a small group of 24 has grown into a vibrant online community of over 5,500 members. Stroke Buddies hosts weekly Zoom support meetings, shares daily stories and videos, and fosters a culture where survivors motivate each other by sharing their progress. Ralph’s professional expertise ensures that the group’s exercise videos are concise, practical, and easy to follow—empowering members to take charge of their own recovery.

The group’s philosophy is clear: No one gets better until they take ownership of their recovery. Physical therapists are like piano teachers—great guides, but you must practice at home to improve. Stroke Buddies encourages survivors to share their own recovery videos and stories, creating a powerful, peer-driven resource library.

Real-Life Inspiration and Practical Help

Ralph’s commitment extends beyond virtual support. He has personally helped survivors regain mobility, adapt to new challenges, and overcome fear. The group’s Facebook feed is filled with members posting videos of their progress, asking questions, and offering encouragement. Some members have posted hundreds of videos, providing daily motivation for others.

Our Mission

Stroke Buddies exists to ensure that no survivor feels alone or unsupported. We believe in the power of community, self-advocacy, and peer-driven recovery. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your journey, you’ll find practical resources, real-life inspiration, and a supportive network ready to help you thrive.

Join Us

At Stroke Buddies, we’re building more than a support group—we’re building a movement. Together, we’re proving that with the right foundation, support, and determination, stroke survivors can reclaim their lives and help others do the same.