When I first came to Avantara Joliet aftersuffering a stroke, I was almost completelyparalyzed on my right side. I couldn’tmove my fingers, my leg was weak, and Ineeded help with even the simplest tasks.Living alone, I knew I had to regain enoughindependence to safely return home.From the start, the therapy team becamemy biggest support system. With dailyphysical and occupational therapy, I’vemade steady progress—milestones I’mproud of. I can now transfer in and out ofbed on my own, dress myself, and takecare of personal needs that once seemedimpossible. Walking with my walker nolonger feels frightening, and every day I’mgaining more confidence. I even practicewalking up to 150 feet, which is what I’llneed to manage at home.What makes this journey meaningful is notjust the progress, but the people. The staffhere have truly been my cheering section.They encourage me, celebrate everymilestone, and create a positive atmospherethat makes all the difference in recovery.As I prepare to return home, I’mmost excited about being able to liveindependently again, confident in my abilityto walk, care for myself, and continuebuilding on the progress I’ve made here.Avantara Joliet has given me the tools, thestrength, and the hope to get back to thelife I love.

Joyce D.