Deanne Meseck of Rockford, Illinois, began organizing a benefit walk for stroke survivors after her own experience with an ischemic stroke in December 2019, according to a May 6 statement. Her efforts come as she continues to recover from lasting effects and seeks to support others facing similar challenges.
Meseck’s story highlights the ongoing impact strokes can have on individuals and their families. Ischemic strokes account for about 87% of all strokes and are especially common among people under 50. Early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention are crucial for survival and recovery.
After suffering her stroke at age 47, Meseck was taken by ambulance to OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford where she underwent emergency treatment. Michele Johnson, APRN, nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare and Meseck’s primary care provider, said, “Anytime somebody goes in for a stroke, you have to look at what type of stroke. What was it caused from? Was it from a blood clot? Is it a bleed? Just trying to figure those things out initially, in the emergency room and in the hospital.”
Meseck required surgery due to brain swelling and faced additional complications such as pneumonia that extended her hospital stay. Following extensive rehabilitation—including physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and ophthalmological care—she has made significant progress but continues to live with some permanent disabilities. Johnson said: “With the contractures (stiffness) of the hands, going back to therapy is important; some speech impediment; some visual problems; and the weakness—she has progressed significantly since this all occurred. But there will always be some permanent disability.”
The emotional toll also weighed heavily on Meseck as she left behind her career in finance due to concerns about returning to a stressful work environment. She found support through mental health counseling: “I spent a lot of time with a therapist talking about how I lost my identity… That was probably as difficult as any physical therapy that I had,” she said.
Looking for new purpose after her recovery journey led Meseck first to join then help organize local events supporting other survivors. She now coordinates an annual benefit walk whose proceeds fund camps for people recovering from strokes: “I want to motivate people to know that there is life after stroke,” she said.
Johnson supported this new chapter: “It is good for her to have a purpose because she was so busy before… It’s important to hear from somebody like Deanne; there are treatments out there and you can live and function… but there is life after stroke.”
OSF HealthCare provides health guidance along with expert insights on diseases through its newsroom resources while serving communities across Illinois and Michigan via hospitals, clinics, urgent-care centers and digital health options such as OSF OnCall,according to the official website.
