Stroke Accounts

“After the Stroke”
by Mark McEwen
A regular personality on CBS’s The Early Show, Mark McEwen had a stroke at age 51 in 2005. His return to work at a CBS station affiliate in Orlando, Florida, was much anticipated, in large part because of the speech issues caused by his stroke. In this account, he discusses how he was to be traveling in an airport when his stroke symptoms were discovered.

"Between Heaven and Hell"
by David Talbot
An accomplished writer and journalist, Talbot reflects upon his own experiences recovering from a stroke in 2017. In this account, Talbot describes how the stress caused from "high stress career" in Hollywood may have contributed to his stroke. Accordingly, he addresses how certain authors, places, songs, and childhood stories caused him to ultimately discover additional peace.

“Easier Said Than Done”
by Patrick A. Corpuz
In 2010, Patrick Corpuz had his first stroke. This account is designed to illustrate the humorous experiences that he had in the hospital, in therapy, and while traveling. Although he had a second stroke in 2016, this book was in the final stages of publication, so it only addresses the first stroke.

“Lucky Stroke”
by Glenn M. Peach
At the age of 57, Glenn Peach had a stroke. Of importance, although he was an American, he was in Germany when the stroke happened. This account discusses German medical facilities and practices. As a reader, it is fascinating to compare stroke recovery in the United States and those technologies utilized abroad.

“My Stroke of Luck”
by Kirk Douglas
In 1996, at the age of 79, Kirk Douglas had a stroke. The actor addresses in this book, among other things, how people take things for granted and how difficult it is to be in the public eye with a speech impairment. The list of Hollywood celebrities he interacts with is nearly overwhelming; this account is certainly for you if you like reading about famous people.

“My Stroke of Fate”
by Stephen Archer
In 2005, at the age of 51, Stephen Archer had a stroke. This is the only account I read that is “based on true events.” Accordingly, it is unclear how much of this account is fiction. Additionally, the author struggled first with a stroke, and then with prostate cancer. This book addresses overcoming all obstacles, and several challenged the author.

“Search for Spiritual Meaning after Stroke or Brain Injury”
by Tom Schuck
At the age of 53, the author had a stroke. This is the second book dealing with stroke as the first one describes what happened to the author. Filled with graphics and pictures, this account explores what it means to find a new identity.

"Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying"
by Ram Dass
An author of numerous books and a former Harvard professor, Dass had a stroke in 1997. This book discusses the new insights that he gained from his stroke and also provides wisdom on the topics of aging gracefully and dying with a heightened sense of self-realization.

“Stroke”
by John S. Johnston
While in retirement, Johnston had a stroke in 2017. Of interest is the fact that Johnston loved Classical Rock, and a portion of the book is about him attending the Rock Legends Cruise after the stroke. This account demonstrates that strokes do not impact a person's interests or ambitions.

“Stroke Survivor Success Story”
by Richard A. Walters
In 2013, at the age of 61, Richard Walters had a stroke. A personal trainer, much of this account was largely about the author returning to physical things. For example, he ran in the Minneapolis “Polar Dash” eight months after his stroke. Walters is Jewish, so his reliance upon his faith is a bedrock of this book.

“A Stroke of Genius”
by Sandy Simon
In 1993, at the age of 56, Sandy Simon had a stroke. Of note, this book addresses acceptance. Most stroke accounts discuss the incident, rehabilitation, returning home, and similar topics. While this one mentions those aspects, it also includes a chapter on acceptance, a unique topic for most stroke survivor books.

“Take Brave Steps for Stroke Survivors and Families”
by Ron Gardner
In 1997, the author experienced a stroke. Gardner was a corporate personality before the stroke, and this account addresses, among other things, adapting his best to return to this world. This book is motivational by nature, and also solicits perspectives from his wife and daughter.

“To Walk is to Live”
by Gregory Symko
A Chiropractor and health guru, the author experienced a stroke in 1999. Intended to be the first book of a five-part series, this account discusses biographical information, the rehabilitation hospital, and the return home.

“Where’s There?”
by Michael Wacholder
Nearing retirement, Michael Wacholder had a stroke in 2012. One thing that is unique about this account is the author discussed his thoughts on a topic after he reproduced his daughter’s blog describing the event. Therefore, the reader receives two perspectives regarding the same event.