After stroke rehabilitation, retired Chicago cop becomes a patient mentor

In 2019, Scott, a 64-year-old retired Chicago police officer, experienced a stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side. Just a month before, he had suffered the heartbreaking loss of his daughter, who had been paralyzed in her final months due to a brain lesion caused by a virus. “It was like watching my worst nightmare come true—again,” Scott recalled. The trauma of losing his daughter was compounded by his own physical limitations, yet Scott found the strength to fight. He remembered the resilience his daughter had shown and vowed to carry that strength within himself, refusing to let his grief define him. 

His younger daughter’s words became his source of motivation: “You can get better.” Those words stuck with him and became his guiding motivation throughout the long rehabilitation process to recovery. Scott’s journey was not just about regaining physical strength; it was about honoring his daughter's memory and proving to himself that he could overcome the odds.

Rehabilitation after a stroke

Scott’s stroke was devastating, both physically and emotionally. For someone who had been active and self-sufficient, the losses were overwhelming. “The stroke cost me everything—my career, my marriage, but I wasn’t willing to lose myself,” Scott said.

Early on, doctors at Ascension Saint Joseph’s in Joliet were cautious about how fully Scott might recover. But, with the dedicated care of Dr. Bernard Charles, rehabilitation physician at Ascension Saint Joseph’s, and Scott’s own determination, his progress has surpassed all expectations. This journey, however, was not one without setbacks. Many mornings, he would wake up stiff and discouraged, fearing that his progress had stalled. Yet each time he faced these doubts, he reminded himself of his daughter’s words, using them as a mental anchor. “Every step of progress you made was because of your will and drive,” Dr. Charles told Scott. He regained use of his right arm and managed to perform daily tasks he never thought would be possible again, like cutting food and driving. His progress was so significant that Dr. Hung was amazed when Scott told him he had started running.

Setting goals to help with stroke recovery

Scott continued to challenge himself to reach new goals in his recovery. One of his goals was to hike a mile-and-a-half trail in the Grand Tetons with a 1,500-foot elevation, which is something he would never have imagined possible after his stroke. “I did it to prove to myself that I could still do difficult things,” Scott said. His determination and drive not only impressed his doctors but also inspired them to use his story as an example for other stroke patients. Dr. Charles often refers to Scott as a “poster child” for stroke recovery, demonstrating how far persistence and willpower can take someone, even when the odds aren’t in your favor. Scott’s progress inspired his doctors to reassess their understanding of post-stroke potential, as they saw how his focus on small but consistent goals led to big results. 

“Too many people quit when they think they’ve reached their limit,” Scott said. With every step forward, he proved that progress was always possible, as long as he continued to fight.

Through every challenge, Scott's mindset became his strongest tool. He approached each day with a simple but powerful goal: to do the best he could, knowing that every effort, no matter how small, was a step forward. This mindset was tested repeatedly, but Scott’s commitment to steady improvement allowed him to find victory in small accomplishments. His resilience grew from this daily commitment, turning each small victory into a testament to his unwavering strength.

Becoming a mentor for stroke survivors

Scott’s journey didn’t stop with his own recovery. His progress fueled a new mission—to inspire others walking the same difficult path. During his physical therapy at Ascension Saint Joseph’s in Joliet, other stroke patients noticed the advanced orthotic device he wore—a biosensing robotic orthotic called Mipro—and were inspired by his success. “Their eyes lit up when they saw my progress,” Scott recalled. He shared his story with these patients, offering encouragement and hope. Some patients confided in him about their own fears and struggles, and Scott took these moments to provide candid advice, reminding them that setbacks were part of the process and not a sign of failure. 

His desire to help others grew into a deeper commitment. Scott approached Megan Vinson, manager of volunteer services at St. Joseph’s, expressing his wish to volunteer and mentor other stroke patients. After completing the necessary steps, Scott officially became a stroke mentor. “I want to give people hope,” Scott said. “I know what it feels like to lose everything, and I don’t want others to feel like they’re alone.” His role now involves speaking with patients and providing the support and encouragement they need to keep pushing forward in their recovery. Scott finds purpose in each interaction, recalling his years as a police officer when he would connect with people in their toughest moments. This familiar sense of duty now drives his efforts as a mentor, and he finds fulfillment in offering support to those navigating similar challenges. 

Life after having a stroke

Today, Scott’s life is filled with purpose and joy. After five years of rebuilding his life, he remarried and continues to focus on his recovery while mentoring others. His dedication to helping other stroke patients is an extension of the passion he had during his years as a police officer, protecting and serving the vulnerable. “I always loved helping people when I was a police officer,” Scott said. Now, in his mid-60s, he sees his role as a mentor as a natural continuation of that calling. In his wife, Scott has found a partner who supports his mission and admires his dedication. “She’s my rock,” Scott shared. “Having someone by my side who believes in me has made all the difference.” Their shared commitment to his recovery and advocacy has deepened their bond, bringing a sense of joy and stability to Scott’s life.

Scott’s story is a reminder that, no matter how difficult life may become, there is always hope for recovery. “Your life doesn’t end after a stroke,” he tells patients. “There’s more life to live, and you can get better.”

For Scott, recovery is not just about regaining physical abilities—it’s about reclaiming independence, confidence, and purpose. His message to other stroke survivors is simple but powerful: never give up, because every small victory is a step toward a better life. Learn more about inpatient rehabilitation at Ascension Saint Joseph by visiting our website.