Unstoppable: Surviving stroke with strength, smiles, and OT triumphs

This story is about inspiration, dedication, and of course occupational therapy. However, it is not about me. This past year I have watched my friend and co-worker recover from a life changing event. Next month, it will be one year since she suffered a stroke. Everyday since then, this incredible woman has proven over and over again that she cannot be stopped. 

Her stroke left her with left side hemiparesis in which she has gained back much of her movement. Through out her stay in the hospital and rehabilitation she shared videos of her therapies so her friends and family could be a part of her journey along the way and one thing remained the same, she never stopped smiling. She will forever be the strongest woman I have ever met.

She returned to work 5 months after her stroke because as I said before, she's just unstoppable. Since returning, I have watched her continue to make gains. At first, being driven to work and using a wheelchair. Now she is independently driving, experiencing adaptive skiing and loving it, and has now discovered a bioness unit which allows her to walk more independently. Of course this is only a short synopsis of what she has overcome and what she continues to gain. This woman exemplifies occupational therapy in not only her job but her life.

She is an inspiration to...well...everyone. Especially me. I continue to be awed by her, learn from her, and admire her determination to heal and continue to give to our profession. Throughout everything she continues to be a mentor and motivator for her coworkers, her students, and peers. She has taken her knowledge of OT and her passion for life and proven that no matter the obstacle there is hope, people are unstoppable, and goals are achievable.

So to you K.R OTR/L, YOU are an everyday inspiration and I am forever proud of you!