Sometimes even a miracle needs a hand

Judi Lee, recovered from a major stroke

"When I was told I'd had a stroke, I was happy to be alive, but I pictured spending the rest of my life paralyzed. I didn't want to be a burden to anyone."

It was quite unexpected. In July 2002, Judi Lee suffered a major stroke that left her incapacitated. She had been experiencing several symptoms that morning in July, including blurred vision and confusion, but attributed the symptoms to her diabetes. When her body started to go numb, she knew it was much more serious. "I was completely paralyzed on my left side," she recalls. "A friend had to drive me to the hospital."

Lee was taken to The Nebraska Medical Center's Stroke Center where she was diagnosed as having stenosis in her carotid artery. Soon after, Lee underwent a surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy in which a surgeon makes an incision in the neck and opens the artery to remove the plaque.

Over the next six weeks, Lee underwent physical therapy to help her regain her mobility. With the help and encouragement of her physical therapist, Judi fought back to reclaim not only her strength, but also her life. "I couldn't have done it without the help of the therapists at The Nebraska Medical Center," she says. "They helped motivate and encourage me."

During her uphill battle to regain her mobility, Lee also thought about her father. "He was on dialysis for many years, but he always said that he wasn't going to give up and kept a positive attitude. So I thought, if he could do it, so could I."

With a new appreciation for her health, Judi has returned to work full time and soon after her therapy, was able to drive 400 miles to reunite with her family for their 86th reunion.

"This was a goal of mine," she says. "Family members told me to take the bus, but I wanted to drive there myself. I ended up making it there in the same time as the bus. I was so proud of myself."