UI Health Stroke Institute

After experiencing the worst headache of my life, I arrived unconscious at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, where I was diagnosed with multiple brain bleeds and paralysis to my right side. My family was told I might not survive the stroke and if I did, I would likely be a vegetable. My second stroke happened five months later, and I was again treated at UI Health for a bleed on my optic nerve.

I received wonderful care at UI Health. I relearned activities normally taken for granted, like sitting, standing, and walking. The UI rehabilitation staff even taught my loved ones how to help me climb stairs, so I could recover at home instead of in a nursing home.

Because of UI Health's comprehensive team of professionals, I'm now out of my wheelchair and using a cane.

My stroke helped me see myself clearly for the first time. I was shocked into realizing the craziness my life had become. It gave me a chance to slow down and strengthen relationships by communicating and spending quality time together.

I never realized how much teamwork UI Health invests in treating patients. They hire people who have exceptional skills as well as compassionate hearts. I always felt valued because the members of my UI healthcare team — rehabilitation and occupational therapists, neurologists, nurses, social workers and a psychologist — took time to answer my questions.

We are called champions, not survivors, because we motivate others to achieve something each day.

I believe the Lord used UI Health to save my life and to help me live a life of renewal. I have been allowed to use my deficits and challenges to serve other stroke patients. I will be forever grateful to UI Health.

UI Health has all the pieces — a full circle of support.