Lisette's story
Lisette Tapia, a 56-year-old DoorDash driver, faced a frightening medical emergency while on the road.
Feeling suddenly nauseous, Lisette pulled over, realizing that her left side was paralyzed. She was having a stroke. Thankfully, she was with her son, who contacted her daughter and an ambulance. Quick action by her children and emergency responders brought Lisette to Christ Hospital, where she received immediate life-saving care.
After she was medically stable, Lisette, who is left hand dominate, was in need of rehabilitation to walk and use her left side. She had friends and family members who went to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - West Orange, so made the decision to complete her next phase of recovery there.
Upon arrival, Lisette faced significant deficits. She was unable to use her left arm and had limited mobility in her left leg. Overwhelmed initially, she feared she might never regain her independence. She set goals to walk and be able to use her left hand.
“At first I was scared and I would cry every day during therapy,” Lisette confessed. However, she was driven by her desire to see her grandson grow and was supported by her partner of five years and her adult children. She said her physician-led team of therapists also supported and motivated her during this difficult time in her life.
Occupational therapy sessions focused on relearning daily activities using her dominant left hand. She participated in group sessions aimed at improving upper extremity strength and range of motion, using innovative tools like the Saebo Mobile Arm Support to facilitate movement. Over time, her hard work paid off, and she saw an improvement in both muscle strength and coordination.
Physical therapy sessions employed advanced equipment like the ARJO platform walker and incorporated high intensity gait training so Lisette could regain her ability to walk independently.
Throughout her stay, Lisette found it helpful and enjoyed connecting with others facing similar challenges during group therapy sessions. These interactions not only boosted her morale but also provided a sense of camaraderie and shared progress.
Lisette’s turning point came when she walked unaided around the hospital rotunda, a feat that initially seemed impossible. By the time she was ready for discharge, Lisette was also able to shower, use the bathroom and groom herself.
Reflecting on her experience, Lisette expressed gratitude for the support of her family and the warm welcome she received at Kessler. She praised the education and training programs that involved her family, who were prepared to assist her upon returning home.
Looking forward, Lisette is eager to resume everyday activities like cooking her favorite meals—rice, beans, pork and fried chicken, and spending time with her family.
Lisette offers advice to others facing similar challenges: "Believe in yourself and don’t lose hope. Set goals and focus on them. Overcome fear and trust in your ability to recover."
Feeling suddenly nauseous, Lisette pulled over, realizing that her left side was paralyzed. She was having a stroke. Thankfully, she was with her son, who contacted her daughter and an ambulance. Quick action by her children and emergency responders brought Lisette to Christ Hospital, where she received immediate life-saving care.
After she was medically stable, Lisette, who is left hand dominate, was in need of rehabilitation to walk and use her left side. She had friends and family members who went to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - West Orange, so made the decision to complete her next phase of recovery there.
Upon arrival, Lisette faced significant deficits. She was unable to use her left arm and had limited mobility in her left leg. Overwhelmed initially, she feared she might never regain her independence. She set goals to walk and be able to use her left hand.
“At first I was scared and I would cry every day during therapy,” Lisette confessed. However, she was driven by her desire to see her grandson grow and was supported by her partner of five years and her adult children. She said her physician-led team of therapists also supported and motivated her during this difficult time in her life.
Occupational therapy sessions focused on relearning daily activities using her dominant left hand. She participated in group sessions aimed at improving upper extremity strength and range of motion, using innovative tools like the Saebo Mobile Arm Support to facilitate movement. Over time, her hard work paid off, and she saw an improvement in both muscle strength and coordination.
Physical therapy sessions employed advanced equipment like the ARJO platform walker and incorporated high intensity gait training so Lisette could regain her ability to walk independently.
Throughout her stay, Lisette found it helpful and enjoyed connecting with others facing similar challenges during group therapy sessions. These interactions not only boosted her morale but also provided a sense of camaraderie and shared progress.
Lisette’s turning point came when she walked unaided around the hospital rotunda, a feat that initially seemed impossible. By the time she was ready for discharge, Lisette was also able to shower, use the bathroom and groom herself.
Reflecting on her experience, Lisette expressed gratitude for the support of her family and the warm welcome she received at Kessler. She praised the education and training programs that involved her family, who were prepared to assist her upon returning home.
Looking forward, Lisette is eager to resume everyday activities like cooking her favorite meals—rice, beans, pork and fried chicken, and spending time with her family.
Lisette offers advice to others facing similar challenges: "Believe in yourself and don’t lose hope. Set goals and focus on them. Overcome fear and trust in your ability to recover."