Gripping a handrail and wearing a brace on his left leg, Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk climbed 37 floors inside Chicago’s Willis Tower on Sunday in his first public appearance since suffering a major stroke.
Kirk, taking part in a popular charity fundraiser called “SkyRise Chicago,” started walking from the 66th floor and climbed up to the finish line at the 103rd floor.
He was met with hugs and cheers from family and friends at the end. The senator paced slowly through the crowd with the help of a cane, smiling but saying little to the media.
loved watching his interview with MA Ahern. would have cried without his comment that Durbin has been a prince to him. This is how we hope it works in bipartisanland, which is nice to have a bit of here in Illinois. This Dem would gladly get you a beer Senator Kirk.
As a Democrat, I must say how much my opinion of Mark Kirk has changed for the better. Its still difficult for me to put down the partisan hat, but the guy is battling back from a stroke, and is doing it with grace and dignity. JJJ could learn a thing or two from him about how elected officials should handle health adversity. At the end of the day, Foster will win this election.
It is great he is doing this well and is extremely fortunate. Even with great care, recovery can take a very long time. He is very lucky. Hope he keeps getting better.
Climbing 37 floors. Wow. That’s inspiring, especially to anybody who has had to go through physical rehab after any type of medical treatment.
Every political type who has to address a medical condition needs to pay attention to your handling of your rehabilitation. It’s how issues arising from a medical condition should be addressed.
Beautiful! We miss you, Senator Kirk. Keep fighting and come to Springfield as soon as you can. I don’t mind shelling out a few bucks to buy you a hard cider or two at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor.
I don’t think I could climb 37 flights of stairs right now, and I’m not recovering from a stroke. And I’m 20 years younger than Kirk. Good to see him kicking butt.
- South of the Loop - Tuesday, Nov 6, 12 @ 7:21 am:
You have to give Mark Kirk a lot of credit, he has come a long way. Keep fighting Senator!
- shore - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 3:51 am:
This is A LOT better. Team america will do his happy dance.
- wordslinger - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 9:07 am:
Nice to see. If you’ve known anyone who’s gone through it, recovery is a long, difficult, often frustrating road. Best of luck.
- Newsclown - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 9:14 am:
An amazing recovery, you have to be glad for him on that, whatever your politics.
- Team America - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 9:20 am:
Definitely dancing all around, Shore.
- PublicServant - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 9:29 am:
I wish Mark Kirk the best, but Foster wins with the Clinton endorsement here.
- amalia - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 9:36 am:
loved watching his interview with MA Ahern. would have cried without his comment that Durbin has been a prince to him. This is how we hope it works in bipartisanland, which is nice to have a bit of here in Illinois. This Dem would gladly get you a beer Senator Kirk.
- OneMan - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 10:31 am:
Cool, needed something positive right now
- anon - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 11:12 am:
As a Democrat, I must say how much my opinion of Mark Kirk has changed for the better. Its still difficult for me to put down the partisan hat, but the guy is battling back from a stroke, and is doing it with grace and dignity. JJJ could learn a thing or two from him about how elected officials should handle health adversity. At the end of the day, Foster will win this election.
- mokenavince - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 11:23 am:
Mark Kirk has done a remarkable job recovering from his stroke, God bless him. He is an insperation for all of us.
I’m proud he’s our Senator.Good luck Mark.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 11:27 am:
I wish the Senator well and hope everyone recognized the hard work and dedication of the physical therapy team.
- cover - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 11:50 am:
I agree 100% with Newsclown @ 9:14 am. Sen. Kirk’s recovery is inspiring and worthy of celebration, regardless of which team’s hat you wear.
- zatoichi - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 12:20 pm:
It is great he is doing this well and is extremely fortunate. Even with great care, recovery can take a very long time. He is very lucky. Hope he keeps getting better.
- Loop Lady - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 12:46 pm:
God bless Mark Kirk…a real fighter and a real Republican (moderate) in my view…
- Judgment Day - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 1:27 pm:
Climbing 37 floors. Wow. That’s inspiring, especially to anybody who has had to go through physical rehab after any type of medical treatment.
Every political type who has to address a medical condition needs to pay attention to your handling of your rehabilitation. It’s how issues arising from a medical condition should be addressed.
Btw, here’s how DRose has handled his rehab from the ACL tear. The link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UMkCMeDUCg
- Team Sleep - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 2:25 pm:
Beautiful! We miss you, Senator Kirk. Keep fighting and come to Springfield as soon as you can. I don’t mind shelling out a few bucks to buy you a hard cider or two at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor.
- Tony - Monday, Nov 5, 12 @ 4:20 pm:
I don’t think I could climb 37 flights of stairs right now, and I’m not recovering from a stroke. And I’m 20 years younger than Kirk. Good to see him kicking butt.
- South of the Loop - Tuesday, Nov 6, 12 @ 7:21 am:
You have to give Mark Kirk a lot of credit, he has come a long way. Keep fighting Senator!