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Marianjoy Matters
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Stories of Everyday People
Living Life after a Stroke
Amanda Fowler, Contributor
Mark Kirk, the first-term republican U.S. Senator from Illinois likely faces a challenging recovery after sustaining a stroke in January.
After checking himself into the hospital, tests confirmed Kirk suffered an ischemic stroke and doctors performed emergency surgery
to relieve brain swelling. “This is the most common type of stroke and occurs when a blood clot or blockage restricts blood flow to
the brain,” explains Dr. Richard Krieger, Medical Director of the Marianjoy Stroke Program. “Kirk’s quick decision to seek medical
attention likely saved his life.”
Every day, patients and families who sustain a stroke choose Marianjoy as a partner for rehabilitation. The following is the
inspirational story of a successful businessman and father who triumphed over a stroke through perseverance and patience.
Triumphing Through Perseverance
and Patience
At 51, Robert Riley juggled a demanding
job as a successful businessman and
spending time with his daughter, Laila.
A general manager for a national car rental
firm for thirty years, he managed a fleet
of 1,900 cars and 80 employees, traveled
extensively, and had little time to cook or
exercise. He was a self-proclaimed fastfood
junkie, had high blood pressure and a
family history of stroke.
His fast-paced lifestyle dramatically
changed on March 28, 2010. After
returning home from church, he felt
ill, stumbled and fell. Unalarmed, he
continued with his day. Around 2:00 a.m.,
he awoke and discovered he could not lift
his left arm or leg. He made his way to the
bathroom but passed out.
Laila was able to wake him and he decided
to drive to the nearest hospital. “While
driving, my left hand slid off the wheel.
I realized I was having a stroke.”
Robert Riley (R) and Millie Carson (L)
provide support to patients, families,
and visitors as members of Marianjoy
Guest Services.
Hospital tests confirmed he had suffered
a stroke. After five days in intensive care,
the hospital staff suggested transferring
him to Marianjoy, which he researched
online. “The more I read, the more excited
I became,” he says. His friend, Tony, who
had also suffered a stroke and understood
the recovery Robert was about to face, told
him; “You’re going to a good place. Listen
to them, do what they tell you. You’ll be
okay. You’ll beat this.”
The Rehabilitation Journey Begins
Robert arrived at Marianjoy and
immediately felt welcome.
Along with his doctors
and therapists, he
focused hard on
his recovery. The
speech therapists
helped him
with his
swallowing difficulties while the physical
and occupational therapists worked with
him on his rehabilitation goals. “I felt
like I had everything on my side. All I
had to do was commit to it.” However,
recovery didn’t come easily. On the first
day, his occupational therapist asked him
to roll something with his arm, and when
he couldn’t, he cried. “I wondered if I’d be
in that wheelchair forever. I thought my
life was over.” Fortunately, he had a good
support system from family, and his fiancé,
Wanda, and Laila who was a constant
source of motivation. “She was only six at
the time. I would look at her picture and
say, ‘I’m going to beat this. I’m going to
push today to get better for her.’”
Robert’s other support source was his
faith. “Faith is instrumental in my life,”
he says. “I’ve always prayed, so I didn’t
feel like I was just asking for a favor. But
immediately after my stroke, my words to
God were ‘if you give me a chance and get
me through this, I promise I’ll get it right
this time.’ And I meant it.”
After thirty days in inpatient therapy,
Robert entered Marianjoy’s outpatient
program. Although his left leg was still
weak, he used a brace and a walker to
get around. He continued his exercise
program at home, strengthening his left
leg while also regaining almost full use of
his left arm. One evening, Robert stood up
from the couch and his left leg moved as it
had prior to the stroke. Elated, he called
his doctor. By the end of June, he had full
use of his leg.