Featured Guest: JoAnn Glim
The episode proudly welcomes JoAnn Glim, stroke survivor, author, communications professional, and award-winning writer with over 40 years of experience as a freelance journalist. JoAnn is the author of Trapped Within and has written award-winning weekly columns for 14 Northern Illinois newspapers, along with one-liners for nationally known comedians. She is also a Disc Jockey and Copy Writer for WSDM-FM Chicago.
JoAnn shares her profound and deeply personal stroke journey—one that began on what appeared to be an ordinary morning and, by lunchtime, turned into a fight for survival. Paralyzed on the entire right side of her body, unable to swallow, speak clearly, walk, or see properly, JoAnn suddenly found herself confined to a three-foot by seven-foot electronically operated hospital bed—her once vibrant world replaced by immobility and uncertainty.
She describes this devastating transformation as being “Trapped Within.” What followed were months of intensive speech, physical, and occupational therapy, where small victories slowly emerged. After a determined two-year sprint toward recovery, JoAnn emerged as a new version of herself—changed, yet profoundly grateful, cautious yet hopeful, and deeply at peace with God.
Through her story, JoAnn offers:
- Encouragement to stroke survivors
- Hope to families and caregivers
- Insight and understanding for medical professionals
- A rare, authentic perspective for anyone seeking to understand what it truly means to be trapped within one’s own body
Co-Host Spotlight: Ralph Cortese
Co-host Ralph Cortese also shares his own powerful journey. Eight years ago, Ralph experienced a stroke that set him on a long and often challenging road to recovery—both physically and mentally.
“For six years, I believed my recovery was just too slow,” Cortese shares. “But through self-advocacy and the support of fellow stroke warriors, everything changed.”
Over the past 18 months, Ralph experienced what he describes as a remarkable recovery, driven by the realization that “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.” That realization became the foundation for Stroke Warrior Radio, a platform dedicated to sharing hard-earned knowledge, resources, and hope with stroke survivors everywhere.
“Whether your stroke was last week or years ago,” Cortese emphasizes, “there is HOPE for remarkable recoveries.”
A Message of Hope for 2026
This special New Beginnings episode sets the tone for 2026—reminding audiences that healing is possible, progress can continue years after stroke, and no one walks this journey alone.
Tune in January 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for an unforgettable conversation that uplifts, educates, and inspires.
Here we go…. RenéMarie
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