Episode 31: Stronger After Stroke – Can I Drive Again? Legal Realities After Brain Injury

Driving is more than just transportation—it represents autonomy, identity and freedom. Host Rosa Hart welcomes attorney and brain injury survivor Cameron Fathauer, J.D., for an enlightening conversation about the emotional and legal complexities of driving after a brain injury. With firsthand insight and legal expertise, Cameron guides listeners through the critical considerations survivors and caregivers must understand when it comes to regaining the ability — and the right — to drive safely and legally. Cameron helps us unpack it all with clarity, empathy and real-world perspective.

After surviving a severe brain injury in 2015 and losing one-third of his skull, Cameron’s life took an unexpected and transformative turn. He went from seminary student to licensed attorney in Indiana and Kentucky, while also becoming a father to triplets and authoring a memoir.

In this episode, Cameron shares:

• His personal recovery story and what driving again meant to him
• The legal and medical criteria often used to determine fitness to drive
• Common pitfalls and misunderstandings about license reinstatement
• Advice for navigating state-specific laws, physician reporting and assessments
• How caregivers can advocate for safety and independence

Key takeaways:

• Legal rules vary by state, and medical clearance doesn’t always guarantee license reinstatement.
• Honest conversations with your care team — and your family — are essential.
• There are safe and supportive paths back to driving, including evaluations and retraining programs.
• Every survivor’s path is different, and advocacy plays a powerful role in reclaiming independence.

About Cameron:

Cameron is a licensed attorney in Indiana and Kentucky, a brain injury survivor, a father of four (including triplets) and author of “Saving the Subject: How I Found You When I Almost Lost Me,” a memoir that blends his personal story with poetry, philosophy, theology and creative writing. Cameron lives in Southern Indiana with his wife, Chelsea, and their children.

Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share “Stronger After Stroke” with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke.

For more support after stroke, check out the programs available online and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/

If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare’s “MedChat” podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. “MedChat” provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians.

Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.

Date of original release: June 9, 2025

May 12: Stroke Awareness Month Episode

Episode 30: Stronger After Stroke – From Patient to Purpose: Adam Maddox’s Journey

In this powerful episode of “Stronger After Stroke,” host Rosa Hart, stroke nurse navigator, sits down with Adam Maddox, a stroke survivor who’s rewriting his life story. At just 26 years old, Adam suffered a hemorrhagic stroke at his brother’s funeral — a devastating event that led to a lifesaving intervention at Norton Brownsboro Hospital.

Now a nursing student and patient care associate at the very hospital that treated him, Adam shares how his experience transformed him from a professional DJ into a future nurse. Motivated by the care he received and inspired by his care team, he’s committed to helping others recognize the warning signs and prevent strokes in young adults.

Adam opens up about his blood clot disorder, lifestyle habits and the reality that young people can have strokes too. He also shares how his recovery has inspired his 5-year-old daughter, who now wants to become a doctor herself.

Tune in to hear Adam’s compelling transformation from patient to caregiver, and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones — no matter your age.

Key takeaways:

• Strokes can happen at any age. Know the signs: sudden numbness, confusion, slurred speech and/or loss of balance
• Lifestyle choices matter. Blood pressure, diet and movement play critical roles in prevention.
• Personal stories like Adam’s help break the myth that strokes only affect older adults.
• Purpose can be found even in life’s most challenging moments.

Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share “Stronger After Stroke” with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke.

For more support after stroke, check out the programs available both virtually and in-person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/

If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare’s “MedChat” podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. “MedChat” provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.

Date of original release: May 12, 2025

Stronger After Stroke: Driven to Thrive: Tackling Transportation After Stroke

In this empowering episode of “Stronger After Stroke,” host Rosa Hart is joined by social worker Caitlin Zoeller, MSW, LCSW, for an honest conversation about one of the biggest hurdles stroke survivors face: transportation. From the emotional impact of losing the ability to drive to the everyday logistics of getting to appointments or simply staying social, transportation challenges can deeply affect independence and quality of life.

Together, Rosa and Caitlin unpack the grief many survivors experience, share real-world solutions such as assistive technology and shine a light on local programs that can help. They also talk about the essential role caregivers play and why health care providers must stay informed about resources to better serve their patients.

This episode is a must-listen for survivors, caregivers and health care professionals alike — because rebuilding life after stroke means more than just rehab. It means staying mobile, connected and seen.

Key takeaways

• Losing the ability to drive often triggers a grief process for stroke survivors.
• Many survivors feel reluctant to ask loved ones for rides, fearing they’re a burden.
• Public transportation isn’t always accessible or safe for those with mobility challenges.
• Tools such as GoGoGrandparent offer tech-enabled solutions for nondrivers.
• Insurance coverage for transportation varies — ask questions and explore options.
• Caregivers are crucial in managing transportation logistics and emotional support.
• Community-based programs can fill the gap with rides to medical appointments and more.
• Health care professionals should educate themselves on transportation resources.
• Advocacy is essential — raising your voice can spark real change.
• Staying connected through tech can reduce isolation and foster independence.

Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share “Stronger After Stroke” with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke.

If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare’s “MedChat” podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. “MedChat” provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.

Date of original release: April 14, 2025