Stroke Heroes

Article submitted by Terri Tibbs, CRRN, Community Education Manager of Parkview Medical Center/ Parkview Center for Rehabilitation. For further information she can be reached at 719-584-4677.

Antoinette's husband and three boys were delighted to have her back at home. It was hard to believe that just two years prior her home had become the Parkview Rehabilitation Center in Pueblo, CO.

"Why is my daughter having a stroke? She is too young," her father, Robert, had asked doctors after Antoinette, 35, had collapsed to the floor during a volleyball game. His answer was simple: A stroke can strike anyone at anytime.

And it did. In 2006 Robert was hammering nails into his latest project in Trinidad - a new home and barn - when he felt the instant warning signs of impaired speech and mobility. He was quickly rushed to Parkview Medical Center for immediate care.

The road to recovery for Robert was gripped with frustration in not "being able to do what I used to do." But when Robert was in doubt, he had his very own daughter to look to. She had been in his shoes, facing the challenges of daily rehab and the frustration of lost mobility. The living testimony knew that the road to independence was possible.

Robert did not let despair get the best of him. This go-getter found that the road to recovery meant he had to take the first steps - and first steps are much lighter when you have someone to follow. "All I could think of was 'I'm so thankful for my girls.'"

Robert and Antoinette have a lot more in common than just a last name. Having both gone through the trauma of a stroke and the painful road of rehab has allowed them to connect on a whole new level. As they each strive to meet their current goals, they both can look back on their shared experience and realize the remarkable journey they continue to conquer.