Tania Saiz
she/her/ella - New York
LYB Mindset Facilitator | Retreat Ambassador
About me: On August 8, 2020, I survived an ischemic stroke—followed days later by a brain bleed. It was the beginning of a life-changing journey, and one I’m deeply grateful to have the chance to rebuild through therapy, patience, and creativity.
In 2023, a mild concussion unexpectedly led me to my work as an artist. I also advocate for women’s health and stroke awareness through the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign and share my journey as Stroke Maven to help others feel seen, informed, and less alone.
At the core of everything I do is connection—because healing is something we do better together. And I do it all with my service dog, Stevie Nicks, by my side.
Why LYB: This community has given me so much—as a participant, facilitator, and ambassador—and I carry deep gratitude for it. As I’ve settled into life with a brain injury, I’ve felt a growing pull to give back.
My hope is to create spaces where we can each show up fully—where we can learn from and inspire one another. Facilitating has given me the courage not only to embrace my own journey, but to walk alongside others in theirs. For me, this work is rooted in community, creativity, and connection—the kind of healing that only happens together.
Superhero: My superhero is my brother, Alan, who passed away in 2017 from a glioblastoma brain tumor. During his cancer journey, he survived multiple strokes that impacted his cognition, speech, and personality—yet he never complained. He met each challenge with mindfulness and quiet strength.
I often wish I had known then what I know now about the brain, but his presence continues to guide me. I trust in his energy and draw strength from his example as I move forward, one step at a time.
Resources: If my concussion opened the door to a new chapter as an artist, LYB was there to gently guide me through it. My work embraces setbacks and honors the beauty in imperfection.
I share my art journey on Instagram @stroke_maven_art and through my blog, A Stroke of Luck. Beyond my art, I’m an advocate—raising awareness around women’s health and stroke through my work with the American Heart Association, and sharing my story to inspire both action and prevention.
You can follow my advocacy at @stroke_maven. I am an artist. I am an advocate. I believe in turning adversity into awareness, creativity, and connection.