Kristen is 40 years old and has been stroke free for over 4 years now.   Kristen is a stroke survivor and is a stroke/aphasia advocate. Kristen was a model who appeared on Magazine Covers, as well as featured spreads in Supermodels Unlimited Magazine.   Kristen has also walked in NYFW.  Her first stroke happened just days after her first NYFW appearance.   Kristen was also a dedicated and loyal employee of UPS, which she was employed by UPS for 20 years.

 

In her 20's Kristen had 8 surgeries, which was the beginning of events that lead to her stroke.  Kristen had endometriosis and because of that she had both her ovaries removed with a hysterectomy.  While she had several procedures and hormone replacement therapies.

 

Not thinking much of it, these surgeries and hormone replacement therapies, plus smoking and a lot stress all contributed to her stroke a decade later.   Kristen who was diagnosed with bi polar disorder at the age of 14. According to The National Institutes of Health it says, "There may be a differential risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with bipolar disorder." Bi-Polar causes anxiety, that coupled with depressive episodes, which can effect  the human body in many ways.

 

Kristen has fought through all of these issues.   Her toughest task was when she suffered a stroke 2 days after walking the runway at New York Fashion Week for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine in 2018.  Due to her stroke Kristen had 8 brain surgeries plus multiple procedures.  She couldn't talk for 2 years. Her road would be unsurmountable for most, but Kristen was very determined to overcome this and to not only survive but to be an advocate of other stroke/aphasia victims.

 

Kristen has been with her husband John since she was 17 years old.   Kristen was born and lives in New Jersey, she uses humor to deal with her struggles and enjoys, pageants, modeling, nature, hiking and camping. She is a proud Godmother and furrmom.

 

Kristen has overcome a great deal and is passionate about bringing about awareness and helping others.   She has recently been on Billboards in NYFW and has started her new podcast which is titled, "The Kristen Toepfer Podcast-"from the funny to the yucky, no holding back" She is the voice of the voiceless!