Erie chiropractor Steve Krauza set off Friday morning on a 140‑mile bike ride to Pittsburgh, one year after surviving a stroke at age 47. The long‑distance ride, which was postponed for more than a month due to weather, is Krauza’s way of thanking the medical teams at UPMC Hamot and UPMC Mercy who helped save his life.
Krauza departed from UPMC Hamot at sunrise, surrounded by family, friends and hospital staff cheering him on. The avid cyclist said the moment felt surreal, especially considering where he was one year ago.
He first realized something was wrong while doing his morning push‑ups. Within minutes, he woke his wife and told her he needed to get to the emergency room.
“I woke my wife up and said, ‘We gotta go to the emergency room. I think I’m having a stroke,’” he said.
Doctors at UPMC Hamot later determined he had suffered a cryptogenic stroke — one without an identifiable cause. Krauza said he had none of the typical risk factors and never imagined he could experience a stroke at his age.
“I never thought in a million years, at the age of 47… that I would have had a stroke,” he said.
Recovery, he said, was slow and challenging. The physical rehabilitation took time, and the mental recovery was equally difficult. But he credits the care he received at UPMC Hamot for helping him regain confidence and hope.
“Everybody was so kind,” he said. “The entire time, I felt comfortable, I felt safe, and I felt like I was gonna be okay.”
That support inspired Friday’s ride from Erie to UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh — a symbolic thank‑you to the doctors, nurses and staff who helped him return to the activities he loves.
“Because of their great care, I’m able to get back to do the things that I love to do,” he said.
Krauza also hopes the ride raises awareness about stroke symptoms and encourages people to seek medical attention immediately.
“Just because you’re younger, and just because you’re fit doesn’t mean you can’t have a stroke,” he said. “There’re no points for bravery if you try toughening it out. It’s just not worth it. Time is the essence.”
Krauza is expected to arrive at UPMC Mercy later today, where another group of caregivers will be waiting to welcome him. He says the ride is both a celebration of how far he has come and a reminder of how critical quick action can be in saving lives.