Overview
The Illuminated Stories After Stroke workshop is a moment of pause where stroke survivors gather to shape and share a piece of their post-stroke journey. Over seven weeks, storytellers surface the inspirational moments when everything changed, craft them into a true, first-person, seven-minute story built from real scenes and real moments, and learn what it feels like to be truly heard. Each week builds on the last: naming the dark, honoring the spark, living in the light — and finally, carrying that story live to an audience of survivors, families, and healthcare professionals at one of our live Illuminated Stories After Stroke events in their local community. When a survivor tells their story, they remind every person in that room that they are not alone. And the storyteller always discovers that too.
(2026 events in Portland, Santa Clara, and Chicago.)
Who
Adults who have survived a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
When and Where
Connect via Zoom 3-5pm PST on Tuesdays beginning Nov. 12th and concluding Dec. 17th.
Themes by Week
November 12th: Reclaim Your Sense of Self
Begin by exploring your identity after stroke or TBI, reflecting on what has changed and what core strengths remain, laying the groundwork for growth.
November 19th: Trust Your Inner Strength
Build confidence in your resilience and learn how to trust your instincts as you navigate recovery challenges.
November 26th: Refine Your Purpose
With a deeper understanding of yourself and your strengths, explore or redefine your sense of purpose, aligning with your current life journey.
December 3rd: Embrace Change and Adaptability
Focus on adapting to new realities with grace. Develop skills to embrace change as a part of healing. Foster flexibility and resilience in uncertain times.
December 10th: Enhance Communication and Connection
Strengthen your communication skills to deepen your relationships with loved ones, and your broader support system, building trust and connection.
December 17th: Celebrate Your Progress and Empower Your Future
Reflect on the personal growth you've achieved throughout the series, celebrate your resilience, and create a plan to continue your journey with strength and purpose.
Midweek Connection
Participants will connect with a fellow survivor between classes to check in and reflect on how the retreat content shows up in their daily lives.
Weekly Retreat Flow
1.) Moment of Pause
2.) Opening Engagement
3.) Content Presentation
4.) Reflective Exercise
5.) Group Discussion
6.) Practical Application
7.) Closing Ceremony
About the Facilitator
Throughout the past twenty years, Molly has organized and facilitated over 200 retreats worldwide, and now she’s creating dedicated space for stroke and TBI survivors. As a stroke survivor herself, this focus is a natural fit. Her gatherings offer deep reflection, supportive community, and a nurturing environment essential for navigating recovery challenges. In Beyond Stillness gatherings, participants are truly seen, heard, and empowered on their journey.
Size
Group size ranges between six and twelve. Full refund will be given if class size is below minimum.
Testimonials
It’s given me the understanding that I’m not alone. Even though we all have our individual stroke experiences, we share so much in common. Having the opportunity to share with others on such a real and intimate platform was encouragement that I will take with me and refer to in the future. I enjoyed every moment. Molly was a fabulous host, listening carefully to whatever we all said and giving such insightful feedback. - Debbie
I had a work party to go. I was so scared because nobody knew I had had a stroke or that I now have difficulty speaking. I thought about our retreat group, then got myself together. I went to the party and had a ball! Molly and every one in our group gives me strength. They help me pump myself up and give me inner strength to move forward. - Angel
I liked hearing and processing the various recovery perspectives. Our sharing was very powerful and reminds me that I’m not alone. My recovery requires team work and I like the way we came together. Molly knows the pulse of a conversation, what to say, and when to say it. She deciphers the key ingredients , and then shares insights. She is a kind, and truly an amazing person. - Brad