Send Me in Coach: Stroke Survivor’s 90th Birthday Celebration at Norman Regional

Dewey Coffman had big plans for his 90th birthday. Family was set to gather, his grandchildren were coming in to visit. He even had a speech in mind, one he’d been preparing for years. What he didn’t plan for was a stroke.

It happened slowly one morning as Dewey got out of bed. His body didn’t feel right, and as he sat at his computer trying to type, his left side began to go numb. It was clear something was wrong, so he and his wife Patricia made their way to Norman Regional Nine for emergency care. From there, he was transported by ambulance to Norman Regional Hospital.

At first, he was frightened. He couldn’t move his arm, his speech was slurred. Simple actions, like sitting upright, became overwhelming, but even in those disorienting early moments, Dewey caught onto something hopeful.

“They told me to get there early and start vigorous therapy,” he recalled. “And I thought—well, I’ve done those two things. I’m halfway home.”

Rebuilding After a Stroke

Dewey was admitted to Norman Regional’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, where he met his care team—physical therapist, Kourtney Egge, speech language pathologists, Melanie Miller and Sarah Tuttle, and occupational therapist, Melissa Sanders. He needed assistance from two people just to transfer or walk a few steps. His left arm and leg were unresponsive. His speech was also significantly impaired.

Through all this, Dewey was determined—and he had the team to match his motivation.

Kourtney and Melissa began co-treating him with daily physical and occupational therapy. They worked on strength, balance, speech and fine motor control. Dewey did the hard part: showing up, trying again and never once saying “no.”

“He always asked, ‘What’s next?’” Melissa said. “We never had to push him—he was always ready.”

That determination made a difference. Dewey began regaining movement. His arm lifted again. His speech returned. He was even practicing tongue coordination exercises during meals—following advice from one of his speech language pathologists he initially brushed off but soon came to appreciate.

“I thought, what is she telling me about my tongue for? But I’ve used that advice every day since.”

A Birthday and Recovery Celebration

As his progress grew, so did the excitement for his milestone birthday. His original party plans had been interrupted by the stroke, but the staff at Norman Regional wasn’t about to let that day go unnoticed.

Led by his speech therapy team, they organized a surprise 90th birthday celebration—balloons, cake, and all—for Dewey right in the rehab center. Surrounded by his therapists, fellow patients and his loving wife, Dewey delivered the speech he thought he might never get to give.

“I just hope this elevates their pride in their own job,” Dewey said about his care team. “Because they brought me back from the brink of a medical disaster.”

His voice was steady, his memory sharp. In fact, he shared vivid stories from his childhood, right down to a photo he remembered being taken at two and a half years old. After weeks of wondering if he’d ever speak clearly again, Dewey had the room hanging onto every word. He even already started making a list of foods to eat when he returns home—tamales are at the top.

Why Dewey’s Story Matters

Dewey’s story is a powerful reminder of how fast stroke can strike—and how critical early intervention is. The team at Norman Regional knew that time was of the essence, and their quick, expert care made all the difference.

His therapists say Dewey’s recovery was remarkable, especially for someone turning 90. He met milestones faster than expected. In fact, they advanced his goals halfway through treatment because he was already exceeding them. Despite this, Dewey gives the credit back to the people around him.

“They had to find the right words and phrases to reach me. I didn’t want to listen at first. But I gave them a chance, and they worked.”

He’s continuing outpatient therapy now, writing about what he’s learned—and still planning to deliver that speech to his grandchildren.

A Stroke Center That Stands Out

Norman Regional’s Stroke Center of Excellence has been certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center since 2008. Their comprehensive, team-based approach spans from the emergency room to inpatient rehabilitation and beyond, with services designed to help patients like Dewey not only survive but thrive.

With state-of-the-art equipment like the ZeroG balance support system and personalized therapy plans, patients receive care that’s both safe and effective. Just as importantly, it’s care that’s grounded in compassion. For Dewey, that made all the difference.

“Whatever you want to do, go do it,” he said, reflecting on how random and sudden health events can be. “You never know.”

Know the Signs. Act Fast. Recover Strong.