UpStroke Media Company is a survivor-led platform for life after stroke, created to support stroke survivors, caregivers, and the organizations that serve them through honest storytelling, peer connection, and purpose-driven media.
About
Founded by stroke survivor and filmmaker Shayne DeMarce, UpStroke focuses on what recovery really looks like physically, emotionally, professionally, and personally. Through podcasts, films, photography, and public speaking, we explore identity after stroke, disability, caregiving, and the long work of rebuilding a life.
This is not surface-level inspiration.
It’s lived experience—shared with clarity, compassion, and respect.
Whether you’re navigating stroke recovery, supporting someone you love, or working in healthcare, education, or community services, UpStroke offers real stories and practical insight that help people feel less alone and better equipped to navigate their world after stroke.
Location
Based in the Edmonton, Alberta region, and available virtually, UpStroke connects people across Canada and beyond through peer-led storytelling, survivor voices, and community-driven conversation.
Stroke Recovery Stories, Peer Support & Purpose-Driven Media
UpStroke Media Company exists because recovery doesn’t end when rehab does. Life after stroke raises hard questions—about identity, work, relationships, confidence, and belonging. UpStroke creates space for those conversations through survivor-hosted media that reflects real experiences, not clinical checklists.
If you’re looking for:
Stroke recovery stories grounded in lived experience
A stroke podcast that speaks honestly about disability and identity
Peer-led support that complements clinical care
Survivor-informed insight for organizations and teams
You’re in the right place.
What You’ll Find at UpStroke
01
Watch the Podcast
Honest conversations with stroke survivors, caregivers, therapists, and creators navigating life after stroke, disability, and reinvention.
02
Explore the Films
Human-centered documentaries exploring resilience, caregiving, identity, and the quiet work of starting over.
03
Book Shayne to Speak
Survivor-led talks for healthcare teams, nonprofits, schools, and workplaces focused on adversity, disability, and purpose after life-altering events.
Survivor-Led. Human-First. Built for Real Life After Stroke.
UpStroke is grounded in peer experience. Everything here is created or curated by people who have lived it, asked the hard questions, and kept going anyway.
This approach helps:
- Stroke survivors feel seen and understood
- Caregivers find language for their experience
- Organizations better support stroke-affected individuals with empathy and clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides clear, straightforward answers to frequently asked questions to help you better understand what we offer and how we work.
Who is UpStroke for?
UpStroke is for stroke survivors, stroke caregivers, and the organizations that support them—including healthcare teams, nonprofits, schools, and workplaces seeking honest, human-first insight into life after stroke.
Is this medical advice or rehabilitation instruction?
No. UpStroke shares lived experience, peer conversation, and general education. It does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical or rehabilitation guidance.
What makes UpStroke different from other stroke resources?
UpStroke is peer-led and survivor-hosted. It blends lived experience with thoughtful storytelling through podcasts, films, and public speaking—helping people feel seen, ask real questions, and rebuild with community.
What speaking topics can Shayne cover?
Talks commonly focus on resilience after adversity, disability and identity, rebuilding a career, and finding purpose after life-altering change. Content can be tailored for healthcare, nonprofits, schools, or corporate audiences.
Do you offer virtual options?
Yes. UpStroke is based in Edmonton, Alberta, and offers virtual podcast access, virtual speaking engagements, and remote collaboration for film and media projects.
