About the Young Stroke Network
Young Stroke Network was founded by Dr. Lakeisha M. Mixon, a public health professional, licensed clinical social worker, educator, and stroke advocate with a deeply personal connection to this work. In 2021, a close loved one experienced a stroke at only 42 years old, bringing the realities of young stroke—and the lack of visible, easy-to-access resources for younger survivors and their families—into sharp focus. Just one month later, Dr. Mixon joined the University of Maryland to help establish the Maryland Young Stroke Center, one of three programs in the United States dedicated specifically to young stroke care. She served as the program’s Health Program Manager until funding ended in 2025 and later founded the Young Stroke Network to continue addressing the unmet needs of young survivors, caregivers, and providers.
Dr. Mixon holds degrees in Psychology, Social Work, and Public Health and has professional experience in emergency medicine, neurology, mental illness, substance use disorders, and HIV/AIDS care. Her research and advocacy efforts have focused heavily on improving outcomes among young stroke survivors, particularly around mental health and underrepresented populations. She has presented at local, national, and international conferences including the American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference, the Joint Commission, the American Red Cross, the Brain Injury Association of Maryland and many more. Through the Young Stroke Network, Dr. Mixon hopes to build a trusted, culturally responsive community that provides education, advocacy, mental health support, resources, and meaningful connection for survivors, caregivers, and providers navigating life after stroke.
Young Stroke Network was created in response to the growing number of young adults experiencing stroke and the unique challenges that often follow. While stroke is commonly associated with older adults, stroke incidence and hospitalization rates are increasing among younger populations, with individuals under 50 now accounting for approximately 10–15% of all strokes in the United States. For many young survivors, the experience is unexpected, isolating, and life-altering. They are often balancing careers, parenting, relationships, and active social lives while navigating physical, cognitive, emotional, and financial changes that few people around them fully understand. Despite these realities, resources and support tailored specifically to young stroke survivors, caregivers, and even providers can be difficult to find. The Young Stroke Network was established in 2025 to help bridge these gaps through education, awareness, advocacy, support, and community.
The Young Stroke Network was designed to provide education, resources, support, advocacy, and community for young stroke survivors, caregivers, and providers navigating every stage of the stroke journey. The organization focuses on three primary areas: stroke prevention and recognition, post-acute stroke recovery, and long-term life after stroke. From understanding risk factors and recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke, to preparing for the transition home after hospitalization, to navigating work, school, driving, relationships, and secondary stroke prevention, the Young Stroke Network aims to provide practical, accessible, and culturally responsive support. Recognizing that stroke recovery is not a one-size-fits-all experience, we promote approaches that consider the unique impact of factors such as age, culture, race, gender, and lived experience on recovery, care, and overall quality of life.