Jane’s life changed on February 14, 2003, when a sudden stroke reshaped everything she knew. With the support of her family and her own determination, she rebuilt her life step by step — staying connected through work at Berklee College of Music, joining stroke groups, and finding new ways to stay engaged in her community. Years later, after COVID-19 and a thyroid procedure left her without a voice, online connection became a lifeline. That journey eventually led her to Stroke Onward and the Stroke Onward Community Circle (SOCC), where she rediscovered purpose, creativity, and community. Jane describes SOCC as a place to “share our humanity — to practice compassion for others and for ourselves.” She also reflects on how connection fuels growth: “SOCC has raised my optimism. We have so much content, so many ways to connect, and so many chances to move forward together.” Her journey reminds us that optimism isn’t about ignoring hardship — it’s about seeing possibility, staying open, a...