Rebuilding Identity in Stroke Recovery: A Journey of Transformation Through the Arts
In this column, guest writer, actor and stroke survivor Maggie Whittum shares her personal experience of recovering from a stroke and its impact on her identity. Rebuilding identity after a stroke is a deeply personal and often long-term process that may be challenging, difficult and unwanted but creates a way to something new.
Stroke recovery is not just about physical rehabilitation but a profound journey of rebuilding one’s identity. This process involves grappling with emotional, practical and existential challenges when life takes an unexpected turn. Through the story of Maggie Whittum, a stroke survivor and artist, we explore the complexities of this journey and the transformative power of creativity.
The stroke and its immediate impact
At 33, Maggie Whittum was in the prime of her life, pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Acting through the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. She had just completed her first semester and was planning a wedding, having sent out 150 ”save the date” cards seven weeks earlier. Her life seemed perfectly on track — grad school, a career, marriage and family all lay ahead.
Then, on a Sunday morning just before Christmas, a severe headache struck. Within 48 hours, she was in the ER, and another 48 hours later, she was paralyzed and on life support, needing emergency brain surgery. The cause was a cavernous malformation, a small abnormal tangle of blood vessels in her brainstem, a delicate area controlling basic functions such as breathing. Maggie spent the next two months in hospitals, transitioning from critical care to acute care, then rehabilitation, before finally returning home.
Emotional and practical toll
The stroke left Maggie with a paralyzed face, visual impairments and limited mobility, requiring that she walk with a cane. Beyond the physical changes, the emotional toll was immense. She experienced deep periods of depression, the loss of her engagement and the dissolution of several friendships. Her professional identity as an artist was also shattered, leaving her to confront the question: Who am I now?
Rebuilding identity through creativity
For Maggie, the process of rebuilding identity was gradual. Returning to work, even in a limited capacity, was a big step. However, her true breakthrough came through returning to the stage. Being cast in high-profile productions, including a collaboration with David Byrne, was a transformative experience. Performing allowed her to reclaim her identity as an artist and explore the question of who she wanted to be post-stroke.
The power of the arts in recovery
As an actor, Maggie found that the stage became a space for self-expression and empowerment. Despite the logistical challenges of performing with a disability — conserving energy, ensuring accessible spaces and securing accommodations — she emphasized the importance of seeing visibly disabled performers in the spotlight. Acting became a way to navigate the profound transformation brought on by the stroke. She also encouraged other survivors to explore the arts as a means of self-discovery, whether through performance, visual arts, music or writing.
Looking forward: A new chapter
Today, Maggie continues to channel her creativity into new projects. This June, she is directing a production at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, featuring a disabled artist. The show, Me, Myself and Other, is written and performed by a fellow survivor diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 32. Maggie says, “It’s an honor to bring this project to life, especially as it’s entirely created by disabled creatives — written, performed, produced and directed by individuals who understand the journey firsthand.”
In addition, Maggie is co-writing and executive producing The Great Now What, a feature-length documentary exploring stroke, disability, chronic pain and the healing power of art. Slated for release in 2027, this film aims to illuminate the resilience and creativity of those navigating life after profound challenges.
Why sharing stories matters
Sharing her story is vital for Maggie because it fosters connection, understanding and hope. For stroke survivors and others facing life-altering challenges, hearing stories of resilience can be a source of inspiration and validation. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that it’s possible to rebuild and thrive, even when life radically changes. Maggie was proud to be on stage for the first performance of The Stroke Monologues sponsored by Stroke Onward, in November 2024.
By sharing her journey, Maggie hopes to challenge stereotypes about disability, highlight the importance of representation in the arts and encourage others to embrace their own stories. Every voice matters, and when we share our experiences, we create a ripple effect of empathy and empowerment that can transform lives.
Embracing the journey
Rebuilding identity after a stroke is a deeply personal and often long-term process. It involves not only physical recovery but also emotional healing and the rediscovery of purpose. Through creativity and self-expression, survivors can navigate this transformative journey, finding new ways to define themselves and their place in the world. As Maggie Whittum’s story illustrates, the arts can be a powerful tool for empowerment and self-discovery in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
The Stroke Monologues was performed in Pittsburgh as part of the Aphasia Access Leadership Summit on April 3, 2025. Additional scheduled performances will be in Boston and Western Massachusetts the week of April 28, and in the San Francisco Bay area the week of October 13, 2025.
