Los Gatos Nonprofit Founder Wins 2022 Stroke Survivor Hero Award

LOS GATOS, CA — Deb Shaw, who founded Champion the Challenges – a nonprofit based in Los Gatos – was given the annual 2022 Stroke Survivor Hero Award by the American Stroke Association.

Shaw and her husband founded the nonprofit, which is committed to inspiring and motivating stroke survivors and their families, in 2021 after surviving three strokes.

“I am humbled and grateful to be honored with the 2022 Stroke Survivor Hero Award,” Shaw said in a news release. “This has been a pivotal point in my life to dedicate my focus, first-hand experience, and commitment to helping the challenges of stroke worldwide.”

Shaw has helped inspire more than 750 stroke survivors and families, spoken at more than 30 stroke awareness events and support groups and helped stroke survivors tell their stories that are featured on Champion the Challenges’ website.

The foundation has also provided nearly 1,000 self-help booklets to area hospitals and stroke survivors.

Created in 2020, the Stroke Hero Awards recognize people and groups working to prevent, treat or beat stroke, which is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States.

“This year we recognize Deb Shaw as the Survivor Hero for the incredible impact she has made and the work she continues to do to help educate, inspire and raise awareness about stroke,” said Stephanie Mohl, vice president of the American Stroke Association.