Finding Life After Stroke: Richard's Story

"I knew it wasn't my time."

Eighteen years ago, Richard was a healthy, active 46-year-old professional and a self-described “gym rat” when he had a stroke so severe that doctors predicted he would remain in a persistent vegetative state.

But with hard work and determination over months as a Gaylord Hospital inpatient, followed by years of intensive outpatient therapy, Richard defied every expectation.

“I knew it wasn’t my time,” he said. “I knew I was going to come through this.”

When Gaylord launched its Acquired Brain Injury Peer Mentoring Program in 2014, Richard was asked to be one of the first volunteers. He answered with an emphatic “yes.”

Since then, Richard has visited hundreds of stroke and brain injury survivors at Gaylord, sharing his personal story and offering empathy and hope during the earliest - and most uncertain - stages of their recoveries.

For Richard, mentoring is about assuring patients that life after stroke or brain injury is not only possible, but meaningful.

“Life doesn’t always go as planned,” he tells them, “but you are here for a reason. Don’t give up.”

Richard’s encouragement has inspired patients like Kim to become peer mentors themselves. She recalls how meeting Richard at a time when she thought her “life was over” helped her radically reframe her perspective.

“But he was right. There IS life after stroke.”

Richard actively contributes to Gaylord’s Patient and Family Advisory Council and the Gaylord Arts Committee, where he helps guide initiatives that promote comfort and healing throughout patients’ rehabilitation journeys. He was recently honored at the Hartford Business Journal Healthcare Hero Awards where he received a standing ovation for his service.

This content is for educational purposes only and is meant to provide general information. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health. In case of a medical emergency, contact your doctor or call 911 right away.