At the start of April 2024, Mark Rouchard was, in his words, “living the dream.” Upon retiring in 2018, he and his wife, Mary Ellen, had started traveling more often, going for runs, spending more time with their six grandchildren, and simply savoring life. Then, on April 5, the unthinkable happened. “I was in my office doing some paperwork and out of the blue, I felt weird, and both my left leg and arm went numb,” Mark says. Mary Ellen called 911 and a team of first responders arrived quickly, taking him to his local hospital where the doctors were able to stabilize and diagnose his condition. As Mark learned of his diagnosis, his life would not be the same.
A hemorrhagic stroke with a substantial bleed rendered the left side of his body completely paralyzed. He was unable to walk and lost the use of his left arm or hand. After being stabilized at the hospital, Mark was quickly transferred to MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital after receiving unanimous recommendations from colleagues and friends. “I had a team that included physical, occupational, speech, recreational, music, and psychiatric therapists…all different disciplines. I was amazed at how all the different disciplines worked together, but in different ways, to facilitate my recovery,” Mark explains.
Weeks went by before Mark saw any meaningful progress in his recovery journey. Then he experienced a breakthrough. “The first time I could move my finger or foot an inch, everyone was joyous, and it was self-motivating. After that, I started making incremental progress. Eventually, the flood gates opened, and I was making significant and observable improvements,” he says.
Leading up to his discharge date, Mark realized he wasn’t ready to go home, and he appealed for an extension. Sara, his lead physical therapist, committed to improving his mobility enough for him to return home rather than transferring to a slower-paced subacute facility. “At that point, both Sara, and Lia, my occupational therapist, put my therapy into high gear,” he adds. “I made the most extensive progress during this three-week period of extended therapy, and I owe it all to my therapists’ dedication and hard work.”
When Mark arrived at MedStar NRH, he couldn’t perform any daily activities or even sit up without assistance. By his discharge, he could manage all his daily tasks, walk with a cane, and navigate stairs. Encouraged by his progress, he and Mary Ellen chose to continue outpatient therapy at MedStar NRH, where he now participates in high-intensity therapy (HIT) several days a week.
Mark’s lead outpatient therapists, Meaghan-who oversaw his physical therapy and Gabby-who oversaw his occupational therapy, have been instrumental in continuing Mark’s progress on an outpatient basis. Mark also participates in MedStar NRH’s Adaptive Sports Open Gym several days a week where Harsh and Josh are dedicated to improving Mark’s muscle strength.
As a result of his successful therapy at MedStar NRH, on Sept. 14, 2024, Mark was able to complete the one mile walk during the hospital’s 21st Annual SuperH™ event, which raises funds to support the Adaptive Sports Programs at MedStar NRH.
“Mary Ellen and I love MedStar NRH and are deeply thankful for the skills and dedication of the therapists who were instrumental in my recovery,” Mark says. “The culture is all about teamwork and camaraderie…and it’s all centered around the patient. We started asking what we could do to give back.” Mark and Mary Ellen chose to make a generous donation to benefit the work of the therapists at the hospital, with the funds to be used for equipment and continuing education.
Philanthropic support ensures thoughtful and innovative continuation of care for patients like Mark. This type of investment not only uplifts ongoing efforts but helps MedStar NRH expand its reach and integrate the latest clinical strategies and technologies, ultimately benefiting the wellbeing of both patients and providers.
“Having a stroke was life changing in a very bad way. Going to MedStar NRH was also life changing but in a very good way,” Mark says. “I am deeply thankful for the progress I was able to make there. While I still have a long way to go, I am able to live a more normal life. I am truly grateful to MedStar NRH.”
A Life-Changing Experience - Interdisciplinary Approach Makes all the Difference