United Stroke Alliance

What United Stroke Alliance does

United Stroke Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, that delivers stroke prevention, awareness, and recovery programs across the United States. Founded in 2004 by Marylee Nunley following her husband John's stroke in 2001, the organization operates a national network of weekend retreats called Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camps (12+ locations across 11+ states), the BE-FASTER stroke symptom recognition system, and five sports-league-branded awareness campaigns — Strike Out Stroke (MLB, since 2009), Guard Against Stroke (NBA), Sideline Stroke Football (NFL), Sideline Stroke Soccer (MLS), and Slap Out Stroke (NHL). Additional programs include the Youth Education on Stroke (YES) curriculum for fifth graders, the PARS workplace education program, Stronger Than a Stroke fitness initiative with Anytime Fitness, and the 'You've Had a Stroke, Now What?' online video series.

The organization does not rely on proprietary technology; its tools consist of educational content, the BE-FASTER acronym, online videos, web-based event registration via RegFox, and a Printify-powered merchandise storefront. The core beneficiary base is stroke survivors and their caregivers, with secondary audiences of youth, workplaces, and the general public reached through sports-venue awareness activations.

United Stroke Alliance is funded primarily through donations, corporate sponsorships, event fundraising (including golf invitationals), $150-per-attendee camp registration fees with scholarships available, and merchandise sales. Its sponsor ecosystem includes 30+ healthcare organizations such as AdventHealth, OSF Healthcare, UPMC, UW Health, Dignity Health, Encompass Health, Franciscan Health, Medtronic, and VCU Health. The organization is founder-led, with a small core staff of approximately 8-9 members plus advisory board support, and operates as an independent Illinois-incorporated nonprofit (EIN 64-0954851) without private equity, venture, or parent-company ownership.

Name

United Stroke Alliance

Legal name

United Stroke Alliance

Website

https://unitedstrokealliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Stroke Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs a national network of Stroke Camp retreats, sports-league awareness campaigns, youth education, and workplace programs to support stroke survivors, caregivers, and communities across the US.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Stroke Survivor Support Services

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Rehabilitation & Recovery Retreats (Physio, Post-Op, Pain Management) (THAGAMAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Rehabilitation Return-to-Exercise Training (Non-Clinical) (HSADAAAK)

Keywords

• Stroke survivor support
• Caregiver retreat programs
• Stroke awareness education
• Youth stroke education
• Nonprofit health services

Headquarters

HQ city

Peoria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: United Stroke Alliance operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 64-0954851) primarily funded through donations from individuals, corporations, and healthcare organizations. The organization explicitly states that donations directly impact stroke survivors, caregivers, and families.
2. Program Registration Fees: Stroke Camp retreats charge $150 per person for most retreats. Some camps cost more or less depending on sponsorship subsidies. Financial assistance (scholarships) is available for those unable to pay.
3. Merchandise Sales: The United Stroke Alliance Shop sells Stroke Camp merchandise including wearables, books, mugs, and other items through their Printify-powered storefront.
4. Event Sponsorships and Fundraising: Golf invitationals and other events generate revenue through event sponsorships, registration fees, and fundraising activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

United Stroke Alliance operates the Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, a national network of three-day weekend retreats for stroke survivors and their caregivers and families, complemented by the BE-FASTER stroke-symptom recognition curriculum and partnerships with MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLS that deliver community-based stroke awareness and prevention campaigns at professional sports venues. Programs are funded through donations, sponsorships, and modest camper registration fees, and include Youth Education on Stroke (YES), PARS workplace education, Stronger Than a Stroke fitness partnerships, and the free "You've Had a Stroke, Now What?" online video series.

Product overview

United Stroke Alliance offers a portfolio of stroke awareness, prevention, and recovery programs primarily focused on in-person community engagement rather than a technology product. Core offerings include the Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp network of weekend retreats for survivors and caregivers, five sports-themed awareness campaigns (Strike Out Stroke, Guard Against Stroke, Sideline Stroke Football/Soccer, Slap Out Stroke), the Youth Education on Stroke (YES) program for schools, Stronger Than a Stroke fitness initiative, PARS workplace education, and the 'You've Had a Stroke, Now What?' online video series. The organization also provides the BE-FASTER stroke recognition acronym as its primary educational tool.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp: National network of weekend retreats for stroke survivors, caregivers, and family members focused on improving quality of life in recovery from stroke.
• Strike Out Stroke
• Guard Against Stroke
• Sideline Stroke Football
• Sideline Stroke Soccer
• Slap Out Stroke
• Youth Education on Stroke (YES)
• Stronger Than a Stroke
• PARS
• BE-FASTER

Products and services

• Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp A national network of three-day weekend retreats for stroke survivors, caregivers, and their families, providing peer support, education, and respite activities across 12+ locations in the United States.
• Strike Out Stroke A national stroke awareness campaign hosted at Major and Minor League Baseball games, featuring survivor recognition moments and BE-FASTER stroke symptom education.
• Guard Against Stroke A basketball-focused stroke awareness program featuring survivor-led jump ball moments and arena-based BE-FASTER education at NBA and collegiate games.
• Sideline Stroke Football An NFL-partnered football-themed stroke awareness program featuring stroke survivors in ceremonial coin tosses and BE-FASTER fan education at professional football games.
• Sideline Stroke Soccer An MLS-partnered soccer-focused stroke awareness program featuring stroke survivors in ceremonial card draws and BE-FASTER fan education at soccer events.
• Slap Out Stroke An NHL-partnered hockey-themed stroke awareness program featuring stroke survivors in ceremonial puck drops and BE-FASTER education at hockey events.
• Youth Education on Stroke (YES) A school-based educational program for 5th grade students that teaches stroke symptom recognition using the BE-FASTER acronym, reaching approximately 1,000 students annually.
• Stronger Than a Stroke A fitness partnership program with Anytime Fitness that provides stroke survivors with free weekly gym access and personal training at participating locations.
• PARS (Prevention Awareness Recovery of Stroke) A workplace education program teaching businesses and organizations about stroke signs, prevention, and emergency response for their employees.
• You've Had a Stroke, Now What? (Online Video Series) A free online video series guiding stroke survivors and caregivers through recovery topics such as fatigue, aphasia, depression, exercise, and relationships.
• BE-FASTER Stroke Recognition System An acronym-based educational system (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time, Emergency Response) used across schools, workplaces, and community programs for stroke symptom recognition.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% of stroke deaths are preventable with quick medical treatment
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and major.

• Major League Baseball (MLB)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2009Professional baseball league partnership for Strike Out Stroke awareness campaign at Major and Minor League Baseball games. First event launched in 2009.
• AdventHealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor of United Stroke Alliance and Stroke Camp programs. AdventHealth is one of 30+ healthcare organizations supporting the organization.
• Bryan HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLincoln, NE healthcare system sponsor. Supports Lincoln, NE Area Stroke Camp as a sponsor.
• CHI Health St. ElizabethmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor supporting Lincoln, NE Area Stroke Camp.
• Dignity HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor of United Stroke Alliance programs with multiple Arizona locations.
• Encompass HealthflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor rehabilitation hospital sponsor. Sponsors Phoenix, AZ Area Stroke Camp and the annual Encompass Health Golf Invitational.
• Franciscan HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor with multiple locations supporting Stroke Camp programs.
• Kansas Family Stroke FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerKansas-based stroke foundation supporting Topeka, KS Area Stroke Camp.
• Lincoln Stroke PartnershipmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership supporting stroke awareness initiatives in the Lincoln, NE area.
• Madonna Rehabilitation HospitalsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerRehabilitation hospital sponsor supporting Lincoln, NE Area Stroke Camp.
• Medical Center Health SystemmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor of United Stroke Alliance programs.
• Mercy HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor supporting Toledo, OH Area Stroke Camp.
• Mission HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor supporting Asheville, NC Area Stroke Camp.
• Ohio HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor of Stroke Camp and rehabilitation programs.
• OSF HealthcaremajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor supporting Rockford, IL Area Stroke Camp (OSF St. Anthony) and multiple other programs.
• Prisma HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor of United Stroke Alliance programs.
• Sheltering ArmsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhysical rehabilitation sponsor supporting Richmond, VA Area Stroke Camp.
• St. Vincent HealthcaremajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor of United Stroke Alliance programs.
• University of Iowa Health CaremajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAcademic health system sponsor supporting Iowa Area Stroke Camp and stroke support groups.
• UPMCmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system sponsor of United Stroke Alliance programs.
• UW HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerWisconsin healthcare system sponsor supporting Madison, WI Area Stroke Camp.
• Van Matre Encompass HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerRehabilitation hospital sponsor supporting Rockford, IL Area Stroke Camp and Stateline Support Group.
• VCU HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerVirginia Commonwealth University health system sponsor supporting Richmond, VA Stroke Conference and Area Stroke Camp.
• MedtronicmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedical technology company sponsor supporting United Stroke Alliance programs and stroke awareness initiatives.
• NBA (National Basketball Association)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional basketball league partnership for Guard Against Stroke awareness campaign featuring survivor jump ball moments at basketball games nationwide.
• NFL (National Football League)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional football league partnership for Sideline Stroke awareness campaign featuring survivor coin toss at football games nationwide.
• MLS (Major League Soccer)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional soccer league partnership for Sideline Stroke Soccer awareness campaign featuring survivor ceremonial card draw at soccer matches nationwide.
• NHL (National Hockey League)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional hockey league partnership for Slap Out Stroke awareness campaign featuring survivor puck drop at hockey events nationwide.
• Anytime FitnessmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFitness center partnership for Stronger Than A Stroke program offering stroke survivors free gym time with a trainer once weekly at Anytime Fitness locations in Peoria, IL and Germantown Hills, IL. Special memberships offered to survivors and caregivers.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Brain Injury Association of America: A national nonprofit supporting individuals with brain injuries including stroke, offering resources, advocacy, and community programs. Comparable mission around brain injury recovery and caregiver support, with similar awareness and peer-support programming.
• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: A leading paralysis and spinal cord injury nonprofit that combines survivor support programs, awareness campaigns, and research funding. Operates a similar donor-funded model with strong founder narrative, paralleling United Stroke Alliance's approach to stroke survivor services.
• National Aphasia Association: A national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for persons with aphasia and their families. Provides awareness, education, and support resources, sharing the same stroke survivor/caregiver audience as United Stroke Alliance.
• National Stroke Association: A long-standing US nonprofit providing stroke survivor resources, education, and recovery support. Operates similarly to United Stroke Alliance in its survivor/caregiver focus, though without the same sports-league partnership distribution model.
• Aphasia Recovery Connection: A nonprofit focused on aphasia support and community programs for stroke survivors. Highly comparable peer given that aphasia is a common post-stroke condition (notably affecting co-founder John Nunley) and ARC operates retreats and peer-support programs similar to Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp.

Broad incumbents

• Wounded Warrior Project: A large US nonprofit supporting veterans with physical and mental injuries through programs, events, and community. Operates a similar donations-and-events-driven revenue model with national programmatic reach, though serving a different beneficiary population.
• World Stroke Organization: The global body focused on stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Operates at international scale across awareness and policy, broader than United Stroke Alliance's US-focused survivor support mission, but shares the stroke awareness and education agenda.
• American Heart Association / American Stroke Association: The American Stroke Association (a division of the AHA) is the largest US stroke-focused nonprofit and operates the widely-adopted FAST acronym. It overlaps directly with United Stroke Alliance's awareness mission but has vastly greater funding, hospital network penetration, and brand recognition.

Others

• Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (Get Ahead of Stroke): A medical professional society running a stroke awareness campaign. Shares the public stroke education space with United Stroke Alliance but operates from a clinical/physician-advocacy angle rather than survivor support.

Regional players

• Different Strokes (UK charity): A UK-based charity supporting younger stroke survivors with peer support, exercise programs, and resources. Highly comparable to United Stroke Alliance's mission and programming model, but focused on the UK market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/strokeallliance
• Xx.com/StrokeAlliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Stroke Alliance