Team

President

Already 30 years I run a successful family business, awarded the Japanese government's BOSEI Award. My interests are related to technology, innovation, know-how transfer, process management and overcoming business challenges. Perhaps that is why the life trial with my mother's stroke motivated me to search for ways to survive and start work with social commitment to change the lives of stroke survivors. In 2020 we founded the Stroke and Aphasia Association (AEA) with like-minded people. In 2021 I initiated the signing of the Declaration in Bulgaria for the European Stroke Action Plan. Two years later I was elected as board member of the European stroke patient organization SAFE.  We managed to launch large-scale national stroke campaign, for which in 2022 our efforts were recognized by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) as "Best Campaign in Middle- and Low-Income Countries." It is an honor and responsibility for me to be nominated as a national coordinator of the European Stroke Action Plan  for Europe. For me, the biggest motivation is the support, dedication and professionalism of my team, the volunteers and the people who support us, because the work in a non-governmental organization is demanding, responsible and subordinated to a great cause. Every life saved or a better quality of life after a stroke gives me joy, satisfaction and faith that we are going successfully together on our way to fight stroke.

Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors

My interests are related to social development and more narrowly the formation of communities. In this regard, I am delighted to work for the cause of the Stroke and Aphasia Association. Although the most numerous, the group of stroke victims in the country and their relatives are still not realized as a community(s). It is a great privilege for me to work with my colleagues. Their marked professionalism and rich life experience constantly make me give more and more. The most essential motivation, however, I find looking back at the work done, looking into the eyes of everyone we fought for. These eyes, without words, encourage me and my colleagues to keep moving forward despite the obstacles.

Founder of ASA and member of the Board

As an art therapist working with stroke survivors, I did not hesitate to co-found the Stroke and Aphasia Association. In my family, my father lived after 3 strokes and for me this work is a cause that gives me a sense of fulfillment and usefulness to society.

Regional Coordinator

Reg. Veliko Tarnovo

As a person with first-person experience in dealing with the consequences of stroke, I immediately perceived the mission of the Association as my own, because I know how difficult it is for the victims and their relatives to orient themselves in the first days after discharge from the medical institution. 
That's when the real work begins. And it cannot be done without an empathetic community in which there are also professionals, people with experience and volunteers.

Volunteer

   I often hear the question "What motivates you to be a volunteer?" The shortest answer is the Heart. It is the heart that makes the bridge between people. It can recognize who needs you, it is the guiding light to the other human.
   And why do I do it? Why am I a volunteer?
   Because we are social beings. Because we need support. Because stroke survivors and their families need to feel that they are not alone. Because we are all one. Because each one of us can do something small for another person and it can turn out to be something big for them. Because I embrace the cause of the Stroke and Aphasia Association as my personal cause. 
Because to make the world a better place we don't need to do great heroic feats, we just need to watch and listen to others. With our hearts! That's enough to understand what they need at any given moment. The next step is easy - just do it. And keep doing it every day. This is how I understand living a real life. That's what makes sense to me. And believe me, it's wonderful!

Volunteer