When Tayshia Hatcher suffered a stroke on November 14, 2025, doctors weren’t initially sure where it had come from.

Further evaluation eventually revealed a small tumor on her aortic valve. Because no other source for the stroke could be identified, her medical team determined that removing the tumor and repairing the valve was the best course of action.

On June 29, 2026, Tayshia underwent surgery at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital. During the procedure, the surgical team was able to preserve her aortic valve while removing the tumor, which was benign.

According to Dr. Singer, the tumor was a type commonly seen on heart valves, although its size in Tayshia’s case was somewhat unusual. The tumor had been moving with each heartbeat, and the surgical team believed that a piece of it may have broken off and caused her stroke.

Fortunately, Tayshia had no lasting effects from the stroke.

Six weeks after surgery, she was feeling great and reported having no pain. She also praised the care she received at Jefferson, describing the entire team as professional, kind, and caring.

Her recovery has gone so well that she was even told she could eventually return to some adventurous activities, including jumping out of a plane after 18 weeks.

Tayshia’s story is a reminder that sometimes the source of a stroke can be difficult to identify. In her case, careful evaluation uncovered an unexpected finding on her aortic valve, allowing her surgical team to address what appeared to be the likely source and preserve the valve in the process.

Today, Tayshia feels great and has no residual effects from her stroke.