Valerie Greene

As a recognized leader in stroke awareness, Valerie Greene has reached and motivated audiences around the world.

At age 32, Greene was a healthy, successful businesswoman until two life-threatening strokes paralyzed the left side of her body and left her unable to speak. Doctors told her that she might never walk or talk again, and most of her hearing was lost. Sheer determination and faith propelled her out of her wheelchair and into a new beginning, learning once more how to walk and communicate.

Now a worldwide symbol of hope, Greene is a passionate advocate, multi-published author, motivational speaker, and world-renowned stroke coach & mentor. She is the founder & CEO of Global Stroke Resource Inc. (DBA Bcenter.org), a U.S.-based 501(c)(3).

Greene has worked at the state and congressional levels to support legislation that ensures stroke victims are properly accessed and transported to an appropriate stroke treatment facility. She was instrumental in helping to pass the Florida Stroke Act, which Governor Jeb Bush signed into law on June 17, 2004.

She has received accolades from many venues, including television programs, celebrities, and dignitaries (such as Dr. Oz, Michael J. Fox, Kirk Douglas, and the Lieutenant Governor of Florida), and health authorities (including the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, National Stroke Association, and World Health Organization) who applaud her ongoing efforts to heighten awareness of stroke prevention and recovery and, ultimately, bring hope to others.

Among her efforts to raise awareness, Greene miraculously walked 13.1 miles in the Walt Disney half marathon for the American Stroke Association and became the top fundraiser in the nation for the organization’s 2004 Train to End Stroke program.

Green’s work has been showcased in multiple publications, including the "Recipes for the Heart" cookbook issued by the American Heart Association and "Stroke Smart" by the National Stroke Association, and she was deemed a “Stroke Hero” by the American Stroke Association. She is also the author of "Conquering Stroke: How I Fought My Way Back and How You Can Too" and "Overcoming Stroke: The 5 Keys to Victory."

On October 20, 2014, the Mayor of Orlando, Florida, recognized Greene and her organization for being the leader in stroke awareness for the Central Florida region and issued an official proclamation declaring the observance of “World Stroke Day” on October 29 in the city of Orlando. Additionally, the Mayor of Orange County, Florida, followed suit by declaring the observance.

Once unable to speak, Greene continues to be saluted as a top motivational speaker. She has appeared on CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX, raising public awareness of stroke prevention and recovery while inspiring others that nothing is impossible and to NEVER GIVE UP!