From Stroke to the Altar: A Story of Survival & Faith

She thought her life was over. But God had other plans.

In this episode, I sit down with Valerie—my friend, my buddy Bill’s better half, and one of the most quietly powerful people I’ve ever known. Just a few years ago, she suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke that nearly killed her. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t walk, couldn’t even swallow. But that moment of loss became the doorway to something far greater: a deeper relationship with God, a transformed faith, and a quiet courage that brought her—quite literally—from stroke to the altar.

Valerie’s story is raw, emotional, and at times hard to hear. But it’s also filled with light. From her experience receiving last rites, to her slow return to Mass, to her unexpected healing through horseback riding and service at the altar—this is a testimony of survival, surrender, and redemption.

If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the middle of your suffering, or whether faith can really change a life… you need to hear this.

“My life is better now than it was before the stroke. That’s a hard thing to admit. But I know it’s true.” – Valerie

⏰TIMECODES⏰
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:36 Valerie's Youth Ministry Involvement
02:16 Bill's Influence and Bromance
04:00 Valerie's Medical History and Faith Journey
06:59 The Impact of Stroke on Valerie's Life
14:18 Valerie's Recovery and Support System
33:24 Valerie's Therapeutic Riding Experience
41:46 Reflecting on Luck and Hospitalization
42:20 The Therapeutic Power of Horses
43:03 Lessons Learned from Perseverance
44:09 Changes After a Neurological Event
46:14 Support from Friends and Family
48:10 Faith and Spiritual Growth
49:41 Public Speaking and Therapeutic Riding
56:02 Struggles and Acceptance
58:49 Daily Mass and Religious Practices
01:12:23 Understanding Different Faiths
01:22:23 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
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About the Podcast:
The Saved for Later Podcast is a Christian channel for adult Christian beginners. The podcast is a companion to the blog of the same name.