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* You may have already seen this video of Sen. Mark Kirk’s stroke rehab progress, but it’s a heckuva thing, so here it is…
* Coverage…
* Emotional Kirk thanks Illinois’ people for “patience” in first video: Kirk, 52, who has been in the care of the Rehabilitation Institute for the last several months, says he is anxious to get back to work but gives no timetable for doing so. He thanks the people of Illinois for “the patience they have given me to recover from a big stroke.”
* In video, Sen. Mark Kirk says he’s anxious to get back to work: In the video, the Highland Park Republican speaks confidently — and occasionally haltingly — into the camera and talks about being anxious to walk the 45 steps up to the Capitol to begin working again…. Video shows him walking determinedly, if not easily, with a walker and on a treadmill with the help of a harness and a physical therapist. Some shots show him using parallel bars to support himself with his right hand. Kirk says he hopes “to climb the 45 steps that my staff counted from the parking lot to the Senate front door to fight for the people of Illinois.”
* Sen. Kirk releases video showing his rehabilitation after stroke
* “My stroke” - Sen. Mark Kirk writes about his illness and rehabilitation
* Senator Mark Kirk walks, talks in video
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 9:33 am
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1) Pretty impressive and I appreciate his candor.
2) It may still be too early to tell based on the editing, but he seemed pretty aware of his faculties & his surroundings. Although I’m sure he’ll be physically impaired for quite some time–perhaps never back to 100%–it looks like he’s got a good shot at making a full recovery in terms of mental capacity.
Comment by John Galt Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 9:53 am
It took a lot of guts to release that video and show that he still has a long road but is still working hard and willing to do what it takes. I teared up a bit when I watched the video because it’s both sad to watch someone go through such agonizing rehab and encouraging to see the progress he has made in such a short period of time. I hope the good Senator can return in short order and bring some sense back to the Senate.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:06 am
Rock on Mark! you look great, and sharing details about your struggle on video and in today’s Tribune is very inspiring to others dealing with stroke and to the work on stroke prevention. looking foward to seeing you in D.C. and Chicago.
Comment by amalia Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:08 am
The list of productive and effective senators with physical limitations is long and distinguished. Max Cleland, Daniel Inouye, Bob Dole, John McCain, and many others.
Kirk is obviously fighting like mad to get back to work and his progress is amazing.
In a very real sense, he is working harder than the other 99 senators put together.
God Bless, Mark, and stick to it!
Comment by Adam Smith Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:14 am
What an inspiring video, thank you Sen Mark Kirk. God speed your recovery and your return to Washington, DC. It’s totally amazing what you’ve done in such a short period of time! Go get ‘em!
Comment by Fan of Cap Fax Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:17 am
It does take a lot of guts to share the recovery process. I hope we can all continue to be patient and give him all the time he needs.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:18 am
= Max Cleland, Daniel Inouye, Bob Dole, John McCain =
I appreciate seeing a bipartisan list of Senators.
Incidentally, I’m surprised that I have not seen any commentary about Sen. Kirk’s stroke and recovery in the context of health care reform (if that topic hasn’t been written off due to “Obamacare”). Many of his constituents of the same age range would struggle to afford the extensive rehab he’s undertaking, due to loss of income and/or inadequate health insurance coverage, even though such rehab is clearly beneficial. It’s fair to have a debate, at both the state and federal levels, on what role the public sector might have in providing for people in this sort of health situation.
Comment by cover Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:26 am
Just plain good in every aspect. Keep fighting Sen Kirk.
Comment by John A Logan Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:41 am
His brain seems intact,and from the looks of it
he should be very productive soon.God speed to the Senator. He will be a great one.
Comment by mokenavince Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:47 am
I am sure the folks in Chicago Rehab are doing a great job, as is Senator Kirk. I look forward to the day that Kirk can transfer his base to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington, to rehab along side our soldiers and marines who are recovering from brain injuries, while at the same time easing back into some Senate activities. As a veteran, I hope he’d be elgible.
Comment by mark walker Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 10:53 am
The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is a national treasure which we are very fortunate to have in our midst. The confluence of a highly determined and previously fit patient with the RIC’s resources and therapies can (and very often does) result in near miracles of recovery. Looks like Sen. Kirk is well on his way.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 11:04 am
I’m very impressed the Senator released that video. Lots of people would not want others to see them in that condition. I am not impressed the Senator didn’t say one word about getting to work on making sure all people in need of such stellar care could avail themselves of it in this country.
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 11:44 am
It’s says a lot about Kirk, not hiding thing. (remember John Stroger?)
But this took a lot of courage to show the public what he has been going through. It is also educational for many who have no idea all the rehab that is involved with a stroke, maybe insurance companies will see how much therapy is really needed. I know some people who had a stroke and the insurance companies limited their therapy. Many had to either pay themselves or do without. This might wake some people up in the insurance business as to what type of healthcare coverage is really needed?
Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 4:48 pm
Sen. Kirk, so glad to see & hear you doing well! We know you are working hard as is so evident by the video and are looking forward to the day you return to D.C.. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Comment by Southern Illinois Voter Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 5:07 pm