A stroke at 37 changed everything. Dean's determination rewrote the ending.

On September 15, 2024, Dean — known to TriStar Horizon staff as “Thor” for his strength and spirit — was camping with his wife and two young daughters at Montgomery Bell State Park. It was supposed to be a quiet weekend in nature. But when Dean stepped into their camper to grab a bowl, everything changed. 

“It felt like the sky fell,” he said. “Like a massive weight had settled on my head. I fell into the countertop, and I knew something was wrong.” 

Dean was rushed to TriStar Horizon Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with a lateral medullary stroke — a rare and serious condition affecting the brainstem. He can’t say enough about the care he received—from the ER team to the acute care team, to the inpatient rehab team. He feels his decision to receive inpatient rehab at TriStar Horizon was a game changer for him — and ultimately saved his life. 

The Hardest Part

For Dean, the most challenging part of recovery was facing uncertainty. On September 17, just two days after his stroke, he was told he might never walk again. The news was difficult to process, but he stayed focused on what mattered most — his wife and two daughters. 

“They were my motivation,” Dean said. “I knew I had to keep pushing for them.” 

The Turning Point

“When I took my first steps without assistance — no walker, no cane — I knew things would be okay,” Dean said. “I could do this.” It was a powerful moment that brought everyone to tears. 

“Rich {his physical therapist} is an angel, that’s all I could think about,” Dean added. “I could never have done this without the team at TriStar Horizon.” 

Dean was discharged just 14 days after his stroke, having spent four nights in acute care and 10 days in inpatient rehab at TriStar Horizon. 

Resilience in Motion

Today, Dean walks with a cane — a Thor cane — a symbol of his strength and determination to beat the odds. He celebrated his 38th birthday and is soaking in every moment he can with his family. Dean is all in as a full-time, engaged dad. 

Looking Ahead

Dean’s goals are simple but powerful: stay active, stay present, and keep advocating for stroke survivors. He plans to share his time as a Stroke Support Group Volunteer — sharing his story, listening to others, and making sure no survivor feels alone on their journey. It’s his way of giving back and helping others find hope in their own recovery. 

We are deeply moved by the courage of Dean and his family. Their unwavering strength, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity are a powerful reminder of why we believe in this work. It’s an honor to walk alongside them on their journey.