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.

When I first came to Avantara Joliet, I thought Iwas just here to get rehab after dealing with ablood clot. My knee was hurting, I was unsteadyon my feet, and I figured the therapy would focuson helping me walk again. What I didn’t realize wasthat something much more serious was going on.On one of my first days here, Sheila, one of thenurses, noticed something concerning with my leg.She immediately took action, ordering tests andalerting the care team. Thanks to her attentivenessand quick response, I was able to return to thehospital for further procedures. While I eventuallyneeded an amputation, I’m grateful for howthorough and proactive Sheila was—her caremade all the difference in catching things earlyand helping me get the treatment I needed.Coming back to Avantara after the surgery, I knewI had a long road ahead. The therapists have beensteady in keeping me focused—pushing me when Iwant to quit, but also reminding me how far I’vecome. Now I can walk longer distances, spendtime on the exercise bike, and put pressure on myleg without as much pain. Each day feels likeprogress.What makes the difference here is the people.Whether it’s Sheila catching something soimportant, the CNAs who treat me with kindness,or the therapists who push me just enough, I feelsupported in every step.My goal when I get home is to tackle the stairs inmy house so I can move around freely again. Butwhat I’m most looking forward to is being backwith my wife and our dog, Zoe. Getting home tothem is what keeps me working hard in therapy.

Keith C.