Finding Her Voice Again: Sandy's Story of Strength After Stroke

On the morning of her stroke, Sandy, a dedicated registered nurse, began her day as usual. After showering and preparing for an upcoming doctor’s appointment, everything changed abruptly. She collapsed, and that was the last thing she remembered.  

Sandy was quickly rushed to Cox Monett, a Level III Stroke Center, where the medical team acted swiftly according to established stroke care guidelines. She was then transferred to Cox South for a higher level of care. 

Just two days earlier, Sandy had noticed something concerning; she suspected that she had a blood clot in her leg and intended to discuss it with her doctor. This clot was later confirmed in the hospital and was a critical factor in the events leading to her stroke. 

The first clear signs of the stroke were slurred speech and a sudden loss of control over her body. Sandy sensed that something was terribly wrong but could not express her feelings; she felt trapped within her own body.  

The stroke profoundly changed the course of Sandy’s life. Once a devoted nurse, she found that she could no longer walk, talk, or drive. “I thought I had lost everything,” she recalls. “But even amidst all of it, I felt grateful to be alive.” 

Regaining her speech has been the most challenging obstacle Sandy has faced. Sometimes, she still struggles with words and occasionally feels self-conscious during conversations. However, Sandy is a fighter. She has begun to rebuild her life with the support of therapy, unwavering faith, and her deep inner strength. Slowly but surely, she found her voice again—one word at a time.  

“The stroke changed me. I don’t always feel like the same person,” she reflects. “But it taught me how powerful and capable I am.”  

Today, Sandy continues her recovery journey with courage, faith, and determination. Each day brings progress, no matter how small. She is walking again, driving again, and, most importantly, she is back to work as a nurse at the very place that saved her life.  

Sandy is proud to be working part-time, a milestone that once felt out of reach but now serves as a reminder of how far she has come. And where does she work? That’s right—Cox Monett, the facility that helped save her life. She is especially grateful for the expert care she received. 

“Without the immediate action taken by the ER, I might not be here today,” she says. “They not only treated me; they also gave me hope.”

Sandy has achieved what many people are told is impossible. She has returned to the life she thought she had lost, proving that hard work makes recovery possible. 

Now, she advocates for others who have experienced a stroke. Her advice is simple yet essential: be patient.  

“Sometimes we can’t find the right words. Please don’t finish our sentences for us,” Sandy urges. “With time, we can overcome a stroke. Just don’t give up on us.”  

Perhaps most importantly: “Get help at the first sign of a stroke. The faster you act, the better the outcome.” 

Click here to learn more about the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Remember, call 911 immediately!