Here, you’ll find information about my journey as a stroke survivor and advocate, along with updates from my experience with the Future Leaders Grant from the Stroke Foundation.
My mission is to amplify the voices of stroke survivors, raise awareness about disability rights, and drive impactful change in healthcare and rehabilitation.
Advocacy & Public Speaking
Leadership Development
Stroke Awareness Campaigns
Research & Collaboration
I began my adventure near Rockefeller Center, where I paused at the beloved Magnolia Bakery on 6th Avenue.
The flat sidewalk entrance made it easy to pop in, and the accessible unisex restroom meant I could linger without any stress.
Their signature banana pudding? A must. It was the perfect way to start my stroll with a sweet boost. Magnolia Bakery appears on the popular TV show, Sex and the City.
Continuing along 5th Avenue, I passed 712 5th Avenue—a beautifully accessible ground-floor destination that blends the grandeur of luxury retail with the convenience of seamless entry.
Just a block or so up, the Lotte New York Palace Hotel welcomed me with elegant ramps and a sense of old-world charm.
Their public ADA-compliant restrooms were thoughtfully situated in the lobby, making it a comfortable stop to regroup before heading further uptown. The Lotte New York Palace Hotel has featured in many movies and TV shows from Gossip Girl to Will and Grace to 27 Dresses.
Then came a New York institution—The Plaza Hotel. Its level, elevator-access entrance and accessible restrooms tucked inside its magnificent lobby spoke volumes about its commitment to inclusion.
As a long-standing symbol of luxury and cinematic fame, the Plaza felt not only historic but also welcoming to all. The Plaza Hotel has been featured in the television show Succession, Christmas in New York: Inside the Plaza.
It also appeared throughout the popular TV series Sex and the City, serving as a backdrop to Mr. Big’s engagement party (to another woman). The scene where Carrie reads a wedding poem at the wedding of Miranda’s decorator was also filmed inside the Plaza.
Before long, I found myself in the green expanse of Central Park, choosing a recommended accessible path from 59th Street along the East Drive.
As I rolled peacefully past Heckscher Playground and headed up toward West Drive near 72nd Street, the city faded just enough for nature to shine through.
The shaded walkways, birdsong, and conveniently located restrooms near 62nd and 69th Streets reminded me that accessibility isn’t just about mobility—it’s about dignity, spontaneity, and joy.
Just outside the park on 5th Avenue, I paused at the grand Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Although I didn’t go inside this time, it was comforting to know that ramps and free wheelchair rentals were available, along with accessible restrooms and cafés for future visits.
My destination was the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, an architectural gem in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. I entered via Josie Robertson Plaza, which seamlessly led me to the concourse-level elevators. Inside, the Opera staff were warm and accommodating, and the venue provided multiple accessible seating areas (be sure to book ahead!). With restrooms on every level, I was able to fully immerse myself in the experience, knowing my comfort and needs were thoughtfully considered.
An alternate subway route from Times Square to Lincoln Center via the Uptown 1 Train has proven to be another reliable option.
Both Times Sq–42 St and 66 St–Lincoln Center stations feature elevators, and the short roll to Lincoln Center from the latter is smooth and pleasant.
There’s something quietly powerful about standing at the departure gate at Melbourne International Airport. Gate 9 hums with anticipation — the low murmur of conversations, the soft chime of announcements, the gentle rustle of passports and boarding passes. But amidst the crowd, this moment feels deeply personal.
This isn’t just a gate. This is my gateway — the threshold between the familiar and the unknown, the comfortable and the exciting. As I sit here, emotions swirl within me: excitement, nerves, pride, and a touch of disbelief. I’ve dreamed of this journey for so long, and now, here I am, about to board a plane that will carry me across oceans to the other side of the world… to the big, bold, beautiful Apple — New York City.
Throughout her 10-day stay in New York, Brooke will document her experiences, reflections, and the invaluable lessons learned from this incredible opportunity. She will share insights on attending the COSP, navigating the city with a disability, and how to make the most of a visit to New York as a wheelchair user.
Stay tuned for daily updates, tips, and personal stories as Brooke continues her mission to inspire change and elevate the voices of stroke survivors!
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