Katie Moran of Tinley Park said she is back on her feet after recovering from a stroke with the support of her family and the rehabilitation team at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, according to a May 27 statement. Moran, 45, described experiencing a sudden sensation during a job interview before collapsing and being hospitalized for a stroke.
Moran said she had previously attributed her high blood pressure to “white coat syndrome” but wanted to share her experience during Stroke Awareness Month. After leaving the hospital, she underwent three weeks of inpatient therapy. “I went there needing a wheelchair and walked out on my own,” Moran said.
Dr. Megan Parkes, Medical Director of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Silver Cross, said that when Moran arrived, she required significant assistance and participated in 15 hours of therapy per week with a multidisciplinary team. “Katie was extremely motivated from day one. She was up for any challenge the therapists threw at her… She pushed through the bad days and was a source of inspiration to others,” Dr. Parkes said.
Physical Therapist Jada Cox told Moran, “You are capable of doing hard things.” Cox and Occupational Therapist Lindsay Heidrich both said that Moran’s motivation played an important role in her recovery: “Katie was determined to regain her function and independence, which allowed the therapy team to find challenging, yet fun ways, to help her achieve her goals in inpatient rehabilitation.”
Speech Therapist Maeve Houlihan added that returning to normal life and work—including effective communication—was important for Moran: “As proof of her dedication, Katie demonstrated consistent carryover of speech strategies, which helped improve her communication and cognitive skills… Katie is a true testament to working hard to get back to her most independent self.”
Moran continues outpatient therapy while receiving support from family members Kevin and Keegan. She encouraged others not to ignore their health or mental well-being: “You have to love yourself enough to care. Little successes add up to big ones… The people at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Silver Cross were wonderful helping me do that. They helped me get my life back.”
