Music helps stroke survivor reclaim confidence, connection through rehab program 'Strokestra'

Evan Staton was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022, shortly after graduating from Pepperdine University. He was 25 when complications from cancer treatment led to respiratory failure and required him to be placed on life support.While intubated, Staton suffered multiple strokes that left him paralyzed on his left side and affected his speech and vision. Today, Staton is cancer-free, engaged to be married next year and working to rebuild his abilities through rehabilitation. Before his medical crisis, Staton was a standout student-athlete in Central Florida. He set swimming and water polo records at Dr. Phillips High School before continuing his athletic career at Pepperdine University in California, where he competed in Division I water polo.Two years after graduating, Staton was preparing to return to his high school alma mater to teach and coach. Instead, at age 25, he faced a life-threatening medical crisis that dramatically changed the course of his life.Despite the physical