Every year, more than 795,000 Americans have a stroke. Many experience long-term or permanent disability, and more than half of stroke survivors age 65 or older report reduced mobility. A stroke can change a person’s life in an instant and reshape what they imagine for the future.
Mandan resident Cindy Timm became one of these 795,000 about ten years ago. Today, because of her determination and the support of her physical therapist at Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC), Cindy is back to living a life she once feared she might lose.
Cindy’s stroke left her with complete paralysis on her left side. She spent 42 days in the hospital and began inpatient rehabilitation twice a day. Staring down the overwhelming statistics, she committed herself to recovery.
“I told myself I was not ready for the rocking chair — I wasn’t going to lie there and give up,” Cindy remembers. “I still had a life to live.”
While she remained in the hospital, Cindy’s family moved her to Jamestown to be closer to support. By the time she left the hospital, she had progressed from paralysis to limited mobility with a walker. After her hospital stay, Cindy began physical therapy with Cody Champagne at JRMC.
“Honestly, it was the best thing that could have happened to me,” said Cindy.
Cindy remembers feeling afraid at her first appointment with Cody, worried about her balance and uncertain about life after a stroke. However, when the appointment began, her anxiety lifted.
Cody Champagne, physical therapist at JRMC, played a significant role in Cindy Timm’s recovery.
“Cody treated me like a human being — not like a victim,” Cindy said. “He encouraged me, challenged me and always believed that I could do more, even when I doubted myself.”
Cody used innovative techniques and equipment to rebuild Cindy’s strength and confidence. By walking on the anti-gravity treadmill in the JRMC Rehab gym, Cindy relearned how to walk without fear of falling. Cody also used Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit to activate Cindy’s ankle movement.
After 12 weeks of therapy at JRMC, Cindy had made remarkable progress — walking more independently and relying less on assistive devices. She credits much of her success to Cody’s dedication, positivity and honesty during treatment.
“He didn’t make false promises. He told me to aim for 95 percent and not feel like a failure if I didn’t reach 100,” Cindy said. “He was always encouraging, always smiling and always believed I could improve.”
Today, ten years after her stroke, Cindy stays as active as she wants to be — riding her bike, horseback riding, kayaking and even dancing. She has surpassed her 95 percent goal and lives a normal life, with no stroke-related limitations noticeable to others.
“I didn’t think that I would ever dance again, and I did. Those moments meant everything to me,” said Cindy.
Cindy remains grateful for the progress she made through physical therapy with Cody at JRMC. She encourages others who may find themselves in the same position to keep working and not give up on their recovery journey and hopes her story encourages others who are walking through recovery after a stroke.
“Just don’t give up,” she said. “Anything is possible.”
