Pathways to Triumph: A Louisiana Couple’s Mission to Rebuild Lives After Stroke

From Personal Trial to Public Triumph

In the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Chad and his wife Jdele have turned their personal recovery journey into a nonprofit that’s already changing lives across the country. Founded in February, Pathways to Triumph is a stroke recovery foundation inspired by the couple’s firsthand experience navigating post-stroke care.

Chad’s wife suffered a massive stroke in late 2019. Chad became her full-time caregiver, stepping away from his business to ensure she had the support she needed. Along the way, the couple encountered significant gaps in post-acute care—especially after the typical 30 to 45-day medical support window ends. From transportation and devices to emotional and financial support, they saw what was missing. So, they created it.

 

Filling the Gaps in Recovery

Pathways to Triumph offers more than encouragement. They provide ride services in Baton Rouge, financial assistance, access to therapy devices for those underinsured, and emotional support through their bi-weekly support groups. These gatherings are soon evolving into larger group formats where stroke warriors and caregivers first meet together, then split into private breakout sessions for deeper, honest dialogue.

While the ride service is local, their impact stretches far beyond Louisiana. Through virtual support and national partnerships, they assist stroke survivors across the U.S. with financial aid and resource navigation.

 

A Vision Beyond Support Groups

Pathways to Triumph’s long-term vision is ambitious: to open recovery-focused facilities that house both patients and caregivers for up to six months of intensive therapy and transition training. These facilities would provide comprehensive, in-house therapeutic care while also preparing families for life after rehab.

“I was forced to make all of our life decisions in a matter of days,” Chad said, reflecting on the early days of his wife’s recovery. “We want to give people the opportunity to slow down and make the correct life decisions over a process of months, not weeks.”

 

Rooted in Louisiana, Reaching the Nation

Chad and his wife moved to Baton Rouge about two and a half years ago after living in Oklahoma. Their story is one of resilience: after caring for her mother recovering from multiple strokes and medical complications, Chad’s wife suffered a massive stroke of her own. That life-altering event sparked the mission behind Pathways to Triumph.

Their name, “Pathways to Triumph,” is intentional. It reflects the unique neurological pathways that need to reform after a stroke, and the idea that every person’s path to recovery is different. Their support is designed to meet people where they are, helping them define their own journey.

 

Community, Culture, and Connection

Though born from hardship, Chad and his wife embrace the joys of life, Louisiana culture, and connection. From childhood go-kart adventures in the Bonnet Carre Spillway to savoring local culinary delights, Chad’s appreciation for the state has evolved over the years. Today, it’s the food and community that excite him most.

Travel is also a shared passion. In 2020, they traveled extensively as a way to reclaim normalcy. Whether navigating airports with a wheelchair or planning trips that inspire their many business ventures, travel has become their shared therapy.

 

Making a Difference, One Family at a Time

Despite being a young organization, Pathways to Triumph is already making an impact. They have connected with families in need, formed early partnerships with rehabilitation tech companies like SAEBO, and are in discussions with other recovery innovators.

“We’re seeing the same common gaps over and over,” Chad shared. “Our job is to step in and help fill them—financially, emotionally, and logistically.”

One person they’re working with needs $5,000 for a recovery program. The goal is to grow Pathways to Triumph so they can immediately fund those needs without hesitation. That requires community backing and financial support.

 

Upcoming Gala & How to Support

To continue their mission, the nonprofit is planning many local events this year, tickets will be available through their website. They’re also inviting you to join them and become a “Triumph Troop”—a community of monthly donors committed to helping stroke survivors access vital recovery resources.

With nearly 800,000 strokes occurring annually in the U.S. and more than a million people recovering at any given time, the need is undeniable. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S., and Pathways to Triumph is committed to transforming that narrative.

You can learn more, donate, or connect with the team here

Website: pathwaystotriumph.life

Email: info@pathwaystotriumph.net

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