Patient Stories - Allyson Forshaw

Stroke rehabilitation saves life.  Just ask Allyson Forshaw.

At 45, Allyson Forshaw had a busy and active life. Working in the travel industry, Allyson put in long hours at the office and, when there was time, she loved to ski―but all that changed one night in June 2009.

 

After dinner with friends, Allyson felt dizzy getting into the car with her husband, Gary. She tried to speak, but her words came out garbled. Gary drove her straight to hospital. While under observation, Allyson had a massive stroke that left her unable to speak or use the left side of her body.

 

This can’t be happening, Allyson thought. I’m young and healthy. No one’s ever had a stroke in my family. 

 

The reality is that one in two Ontarians will be touched by disability, either personally or by someone in their immediate family circle. At Toronto Rehab, we’re revolutionizing rehabilitation to help people like Allyson whose lives are turned upside down by disabling injury or illness such as stroke, heart disease, spinal cord injury, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Admitted to Toronto Rehab’s nationally acclaimed stroke rehabilitation service, Allyson embarked on an intensive regimen of speech, occupational and physical therapy. She also benefitted from one of our latest innovations: a new Balance, Mobility and Falls Clinic, where the next generation of technology―never before used outside of the research lab―is giving clinicians information to inform and enhance care.

 

Day by day, Allyson reclaimed her ability to speak and move. “The team at Toronto Rehab gave me hope and a positive attitude to move forward. Toronto Rehab is an inspiring place where you learn to adjust and to plan for the rest of your life.”

 

Government funding simply does not cover all of the costs involved in developing innovative new rehabilitation services. That’s why we need your support. You can help us develop unique patient programs and conduct pioneering research that’s continuously improving patient care. We’re determined to integrate research into practice so that our patients get the best care available as soon as it’s available.

 

Ten weeks after arriving at Toronto Rehab on a stretcher, Allyson went home—on her own two feet. Back at home now and looking forward to returning to work, she enjoys seeing friends and travelling on weekends with her husband.

 

Please help us maximize life for people like Allyson by making an online donation to Toronto Rehab Foundation. We need your financial support to develop practical solutions that help people live as fully and independently as possible. Please give as generously as you can—you will make an impact and provide hope to people recovering from injury, illness and age-related conditions.

 

On behalf of Allyson and Gary―and countless other patients and families―I thank you and extend my very best wishes.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mark Rochon

President and CEO

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute