Confidence Restored: A Stroke Survivor’s Powerful Story of Healing

Strokes can happen at anytime, anywhere, to anyone. Cindy Jaronek woke up one morning noticing a painful muscle cramp in her left leg. She noted the sensation, then tried to carry-on with her morning.

Just a few minutes later, the entire left side of her body was numb. Full of fear and unsure where to turn, Cindy and her family decided she needed to be seen at Norman Regional Hospital.

“Everything happened really quickly,” she explained.

Cindy was admitted into the hospital and the team at Norman Regional Health System’s emergency department performed a CAT scan and an MRI. The team diagnosed Cindy’s stroke and immediately began to stabilize her symptoms.

Cindy’s Confidence: Restored

Cindy experienced several lasting effects after her stroke, including the inability to walk and limited movement in her left arm. Beyond her physical challenges, she also lost confidence in her ability to recover.

Once Cindy's condition stabilized, she began stroke rehabilitation at Norman Regional’s inpatient facility. There, she was introduced to her care team — Physical Therapist Dylan Ivy and Occupational Therapist Rob Voss.

Together, they guided her through exercises designed to strengthen her weakened limbs and help reconnect her cognitive and physical abilities.

“Dylan will tell me, ‘We’re going to walk to the door and back,’ and I think, ‘There’s no way I can do that,’” Cindy shared. “And then… I end up doing it!”

Encouraged by the support of her rehabilitation team and family, Cindy says her time at therapy has been life-changing, both in her restored physical capabilities and her newfound self-confidence.

“I probably wouldn’t have tried the exercises my therapists suggested, but they believed in me and that helped me believe in myself,” she said.

Just days after her stroke, Cindy’s time in rehab restored more than physical ability, it restored her confidence in life after stroke. With determination, hard work and the guidance of her therapy team, she has made a remarkable recovery.

Her therapists credit her commitment and positive attitude as key to her progress. They’ve seen her grow more confident in doing everyday tasks, from walking unassisted to picking up objects, milestones that once felt out of her reach.

The Importance of Cindy’s Story

Cindy had a history of high blood pressure and regularly saw her doctor to monitor her condition. Luckily, she acted quickly following her onset of stroke symptoms.

Cindy’s story is a powerful reminder of acting fast during the onset of stroke symptoms. As soon as she realized something was wrong, she and her family didn’t wait. They went straight to Norman Regional Hospital, where a quick diagnosis and immediate intervention helped stabilize her condition and begin the recovery process.

RELATED BLOG: What does a Stroke Feel Like? 

“Everybody here at Norman Regional has been awesome,” Cindy said. “The staff, the nurses, the doctors, everyone took great care of me in the hospital.”

Additionally, Cindy’s story is a testament to the power of dedicated and thorough stroke rehabilitation. Not only did she act quickly once she realized something was wrong, she followed the guidance of her rehabilitation team and stayed committed to her recovery.

Norman Regional’s Stroke Center of Excellence

Norman Regional is certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for excellence in stroke care. This recognition reflects the hospital’s comprehensive stroke services, which include everything from preventive care to emergency treatment and rehabilitation.

RELATED BLOG: Norman Regional is nationally recognized for its commitment to heart and stroke care

In a stroke emergency, every second matters. Norman Regional’s combination of compassionate care and certified stroke services ensures patients receive the highest quality treatment when it matters most. Cindy acted quickly and remained committed to her recovery, allowing her to make a full recovery, both physically and mentally.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a stroke, remember to BEFAST. If you are have a sudden onset of any of the BEFAST stroke symptoms, its important to act quickly, and seek medical care immediately. 

“I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am without everyone here at Norman Regional,” Cindy said. Thanks to the compassionate care she received, and her own dedication to recovery, she has made significant progress and is now continuing life beyond her stroke.

If you or someone you know experiences signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately. When every second counts, Norman Regional’s advanced care team is ready — from emergency response to comprehensive rehabilitation. With the right care, full recovery from a stroke is possible.