Initial Steps Toward Rehabilitation:

• Regained the ability to speak, swallow, and feed herself

• Re-developed the ability to take care of her daily needs, including transferring to and from her wheelchair

• Began the ongoing rehabilitation and strengthening of her right side, which was paralyzed in the attack

• Began re-learning how to walk using a conventional walker

November 2023:

After two years of intensive therapy and recovery, Sharon has recovered her personality and spirit (“I’m back!”)

• Her voice is strong again – she speaks clearly and with energy and humor

• Her breathing is better; she’s still is working on diaphragmatic breathing and breath control

• Due to her hard work over the last 2 years, she has qualified for advanced physical and occupational therapy at Valley Med, involving special equipment and harder tasks. In addition to regular PT and OT sessions, she maintains a routine of rehab exercises independently at home and in the gym at Valley Med

• She is closer than ever to regaining full use of her right arm and is working on using her right hand for typing and other common activities

• She is able to walk longer distances with her walker and rarely uses her wheelchair; she is working on improving her endurance and using her right and left sides evenly in preparation for walking without equipment

• Her memory is still impaired, but she continues to work on processing speed and accuracy through cognitive therapy and uses “external memory” in the form of a calendar and lists

• She is actively dealing with her PTSD anxiety about being in public spaces through cognitive behavioral therapy and is now able to travel alone by special cab service to appointments

• She challenges herself with new activities guided by occupational therapy students at a local university, including playing billiards, playing the guitar, and using a driving simulator

Most importantly, she sets high goals for herself.  She is moving, slowly but surely, toward independence.