On January 24, 2025, Sean and Erin's lives changed forever when Sean suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke at the age of 44.
What followed was a year neither of them could have imagined. Sean committed himself fully to recovery through intensive therapies, while Erin stepped into the unexpected role of caregiver, advocate, and decision-maker, learning to navigate hospitals, uncertainty, and the emotional weight that comes with loving someone through a medical crisis.
With Sean's encouragement, Erin began writing as a way to process their experience and to help others walking a similar path. Stroke Strong shares the reality of the first year after stroke through honest storytelling, practical insight, and the hope that families facing the unimaginable might feel seen, supported, and less alone.
Review :
This book reminded me why stroke recovery is never just medical-it's deeply personal, relational, and life-altering.
As a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician, Erin's honest portrayal of navigating marriage, motherhood, and uncertainty has changed the way I think about the families sitting in front of me in clinic. It's a powerful and generous story.
Alexandra Jensen, DO
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician
As a paramedic, Stroke Outreach Coordinator, and certified Advanced Stroke Coordinator, I have spent years working alongside stroke teams caring for survivors in their most critical moments. But what is often overlooked is the journey that begins after the hospital-the journey carried by the spouse.
This book shines a light on the unsung heroes of stroke recovery: the partners, caregivers, and loved ones who navigate uncertainty, exhaustion, and hope all at once. It is one of the most comprehensive resources available for families, offering both insight and validation for those who stand beside the survivor every step of the way.
If you want to truly understand stroke recovery, you must understand the strength behind the survivor. This book does exactly that.
Brandon Heming, AAS, NRP, ASC-BC
Battalion Chief - Professional Development
Zoneton Fire Protection District
As the Resource Social Worker with the Kentuckiana Stroke Association, I have the privilege of walking alongside stroke survivors and their families every single day. I see the heartbreak, the uncertainty, and the quiet courage it takes to keep moving forward.
This book is not just helpful-it is essential. It will quickly become a staple in the hands of those I serve, because resources that truly meet people in their pain like this are incredibly rare.
This is more than a story. It is a lifeline. And for every person who finds themselves walking through the unthinkable, these pages will remind them they are not alone-and that even here, hope still has a voice.
Dana Robb, Resource Social Worker,
Kentuckiana Stroke Association
So needed. There is little to guide a survivor, their friends and family and others who want to support them. Unfortunately this story is more common than not. Erin is the most amazing woman who didn't give up no matter how the systems were set up to encourage failure. Brain Injury does not come with an instruction manual and families are often left to "figure" it out on their own.
This family is such an inspiration to others.
Julie Brennan, LSW, CCM,
Marketing Director Caring Moore Homes
As a social worker working with stroke survivors and caregivers daily this book is so eye opening! It's raw, personable, catchy, real and educational. There is so much to learn and teach others. I highly recommend this book!!!
Carrie Crockett, MSSW, CSW,
Stroke Continuum of Care Program Manager at UofL Health
What Erin faced is every spouse's worst fear-watching the person you love slip away while time stands still and moves too fast all at once. In a matter of seconds, her life shifts from ordinary to unimaginable. The fear is raw, the moments are relentless, and the weight of "what if" is crushing.
This is more than the story of a medical emergency-it's a terrifying, deeply human experience of love, helplessness, and strength colliding all at once.
Kevin Moulton, Fire Chief
