35-year-old stroke survivor's recovery highlights critical role of specialized, coordinated stroke care
West Orange, NJ (October 29, 2026) – In recognition of World Stroke Day, RWJBarnabas Health is urging New Jersey residents to recognize the warning signs of stroke and seek immediate medical attention, emphasizing that strokes can happen at any age. As New Jersey's largest network of stroke care, RWJBarnabas Health provides access to specialized treatment and coordinated care for patients experiencing stroke and other neurovascular emergencies.
That coordinated approach to care played a critical role in the recovery of 35-year-old Mat Mahoney, who experienced an ischemic stroke after developing difficulty speaking and unusual sensations on the right side of his body. Mat received emergency care at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway before being transferred to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CMBC), both RWJBarnabas Health facilities, for advanced treatment. Following his recovery, Mat is sharing his experience to encourage others not to ignore potential stroke symptoms.
"I was in church, and I went up to receive the Eucharist, and I suddenly couldn't speak. I felt tongue-tied, but I didn't think anything of it," Mat recalled. "I thought it was just a pinched nerve in my right arm. I figured it would go away."
A few days later, while working as an elevator mechanic, Mat's symptoms caught the attention of a coworker and a building employee, who urged him to seek medical attention. Mat visited the emergency department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway, where the care team quickly recognized signs of a possible stroke and initiated an emergency evaluation, known as a code stroke. A CT scan revealed that Mat was experiencing an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blockage restricts blood flow to the brain.
"When they told me I was having a stroke, I remember thinking, I'm 35. What do you mean? That doesn't happen to someone my age," Mat said.
Given the severity of his condition, Mat was transferred to CBMC, a Comprehensive Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission to provide advanced interventions for stroke and neurovascular emergencies. There, he was treated by Siddhart Mehta, MD, Medical Director of the Neurocatheterization Lab at CBMC and a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, and a team of neurointerventional specialists.
The team identified a blockage in Mat's left middle cerebral artery, a major blood vessel supplying the brain, and performed an emergency mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the blood clot and restore blood flow.
Following the successful procedure, he underwent months of rehabilitation to regain function on the right side of his body. Throughout his recovery, Dr. Mehta and the stroke team continued to monitor his progress through follow-up imaging, medical management, and lifestyle guidance. A follow-up MRI showed no new stroke.
"Mat's recovery has been remarkable," said Dr. Mehta. "Restoring blood flow during his stroke was the first step. What has been equally rewarding is seeing him take control of his health afterward. His story demonstrates that comprehensive stroke care doesn't end with a successful procedure. It continues with understanding the cause, reducing risk factors and working to prevent the next stroke."
Mat credits the multidisciplinary care teams at both hospitals for supporting him and his family throughout his treatment and recovery. He particularly remembers a nurse named Portia at CBMC, who helped make his family feel comfortable during an uncertain time.
"It definitely made me take my health more seriously," Mat said. "I feel fortunate to have Dr. Mehta as my doctor. He genuinely cares about his patients' well-being and always took the time to explain why lifestyle changes were so important, not just tell me what to do. Dr. Mehta didn't just treat my stroke, but he helped change my life."
Mat also credits the nurses and care team at both hospitals for supporting him and his family throughout the experience, particularly a nurse named Portia at CBMC, who he says went above and beyond to make them feel comfortable during a frightening time.
One of the most difficult parts of Mat's experience was missing his son Dax's first birthday while hospitalized. This October, however, he was able to celebrate Dax's second birthday, a milestone that holds even greater significance following his recovery.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Stroke
As part of World Stroke Day, RWJBarnabas Health is reminding New Jersey residents that recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes. According to Dr. Mehta, individuals should remember the acronym BE FAST to identify common stroke symptoms:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- E – Eyes: Sudden vision loss or changes in vision
- F – Face: Sudden facial drooping or numbness
- A – Arms: Sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- S – Speech: Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately
Through its comprehensive network of stroke care services across New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health provides access to multidisciplinary specialists, advanced diagnostic capabilities, emergency interventions and ongoing rehabilitation and recovery support. The health system's coordinated approach helps ensure patients receive appropriate care throughout every stage of their stroke treatment and recovery.
For more information about stroke care at RWJBarnabas Health, visit www.rwjbh.org.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state's largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center - and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey's largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
Media Contact:
Carrie Cristello | carrie.cristello@rwjbh.org