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Human Factor: At 26, a young mind disabled by strokeKatherine Wolf's life changed in a split second, when a brain bleed nearly killed her. Here is her story in her own words. At 26 years old, I was living out my dreams in Los Angeles, with my husband, Jay, and 6-month old baby, James. All that would change on April 21, 2008, when I nearly died of a massive brain stem stroke. Defying all odds, I survived and am fighting for my recovery while battling many significant deficits to this day. As a result of my stroke and lifesaving brain surgery, I was left unable walk, talk, or swallow, with severe double vision and right ear deafness, as well as right side facial paralysis and lack of fine motor coordination in my right hand. My son was left in the care of family and friends as I lingered on life-support in ICU for 40 days. For the next year and a half, I underwent daily physical, occupational, and swallowing therapy in the hopes of regaining all that I had lost. After two months of silence, communicating by pointing to letters on a board and spelling out words, I uttered my first breathy word on June 18, 2008. After 11 months without eating orally, I finally passed a swallowing test (after failing nine previous ones) on March 29, 2009, and was cleared to eat normally again. After being in a wheelchair for 18 months, at first unable to even hold up my own head, I began walking with a quad-based cane on October 21, 2009. After nearly two years of depending on others to completely care for my child, I was able to balance my weight against the crib and safely put him to bed on April 5, 2010. Now, over two and a half years later, I have learned that combating life's deepest unmet expectations with hope has made all the difference. I write updates about my recovery and the lessons I am learning in the process at www.katherinewolf.info.
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. Recent Comments
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God Bless you...you're an amzing women and an inspiration to all!
First, Colin and Daniel.....NO! First, God bless Katherine and her family. It's amazing how some of us aren't really greatful for what we have until we hear someone else's story. Tomorrow isn't promised and we don't know what will happen from day to day but I do thank God almight for all his blessings. I pray for you a complete and speedy recovery Katherine. Now, Colin and Daniel you both are heathens.
I find it amazing that those who claim to be believers want to strike down and condemn the non believers. Maybe you should call them Infadels? Colin and Daniel have the Freedom to practice and express what they believe whether you agree or not. I don't understand why those who claim to be believers in God are offended by those who don't. If you believe in such a GOD shouldn't you be trying to convince and not condemn?
But by the Grace of God go we.
Thank you for sharing your story. As a mother of two small children, I am in awe of the grace you and your family have demonstrated. Wishing you all the best this holiday season and an even better new year.
Oops! grateful.....
WOW! A mircale if anything. More power to you and your family, continue the recovery! An inspiration to us all!
Colin! Youre making to much sense!
Read her website... You will be amazed at what the Lord has done in her life... There has not been a moment where the Lord has not walked by Katherine's side throughout this ordeal and before. Before you ask questions, read her story... Your question of doubt will become highly insignificant!!
It's called modern technology. It helped me survive a life-altering motor vehicle accident in 1989. I never saw God or talked to him. Never saw the light at the end of the tunnel either. Modern technology and my own stubborn free will got me to where I am today. If god really does exist, he would undstand.
You Know Daniel, it's ok if you don't believe, but don’t waste your time trying to find reasons on why we shouldn't believe in a higher power, this is a free Country. Who know why God let something like this happened, who are we to question His intentions..? After all you can't change things, all you do is fill your heart with resentment and hate. I rather life my life believing in something that it might not exist, than living my life with my heart full of hate...... Merry Christmas to all!!!!
Daniel- Why didn't God keep her from her stroke int he first place? Really? Yes, what a world it would be if no one ever got hurt or had pain. It's called a world without sin which, unfortunately, we do not live in.
Ablaze- Modern Technology? Who do you think blessed the minds of those who created the tool and procedures? God was blessing you and you are too stubborn to realize it. You said "If god really does exist, he would undstand." Well, God exists and I'll bet He understands that you've dismissed his blessings as your own or some other man's doing. May God continue to bless your naive self.
Never give up, your family needs you...
May God bless you with further gains and improvements.. and strength and courage continued! You are an inspiration to many to not give up hope.. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
God Bless you Katherine. I am humbled by your resiliance. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
You are an inspiration- many of us wonder how we will get through the day dealing with relatively minor issues, when we have no idea just how bad it can be. God bless you and your family, and best wishes for a full recovery!
Amen!
Congrats on your progress and best wishes for continued sucess in your recovery. Wishing you a very Happy New Year.
Very inspirational story – thanks for sharing. Best wishes to you and your family.
The Lord was really looking after you! Through his grace you were able to live normally again, and that is an awesome miracle! I can't even being to imagine what you went through! What an inspiration!
Colin your comments are getting deleted faster than I can agree with you.
Because Colin in Florida the Lord lets things happen to people so they can live to help others through the same thing. Just because you think your logics are right doesn't mean that they are.
Definitely God's hand. I don't know why people think that God's existance is dependant upon if every bad thing is kept from happening. We all have problems, some more severe, through which we must prove our spiritual strength. Your family is beautiful!
Colin - there will be a moment in time when all will be revealed. Good luck with that.
I don't expect the naysayers to actually hear this or learn something, but I felt the need to reply anyway. After all, freedom of speech goes both ways.
Saying "Why didn't God prevent her stroke" gets us nowhere. No one can answer it. However, we can understand that this woman has no doubt touched countless people with her determination, strength, and resiliency. Perhaps she was meant to teach us all a thing or two.
'Time and Unforeseen occurrence befall us all'. No truer words have been spoken and that is from the Bible. Many people are taught incorrectly that God causes these catastrophes or that he maneuvers it to happen. Would you? Would you cause this to happen to this woman? No. The same with our Creator. He ALLOWS it to happen while we live in this wicked world that is being ruined by man. Can anyone blame God when someone dies of lung cancer from smoking? Of course not. Even if its something through no fault of your own, we are still victims of this world. But he will reverse all of these things. Please seek out those telling the TRUTH from the Bible and not these lies that God causes these things to happen.
The Lord blessed me with the best husband. We met in the Army and fell in love. We were considering joining back up now that DODT is about to be done away with, AMEN!!, but our adoption paperwork went through and we're getting baby!!! A little boy! God does work in mysterious ways.
Absolutely outstanding! The term "inspiring" seems a bit lacking but my vocabulary isn't extensive enough to put your accomplishments into better words. You keep fighting so that the rest of us will remember that our daily struggles aren't really all that bad.
God Bless You and your family!!! I had an unruptured AVM repaired 6 years ago. Going through the testing & process of having it fixed were scary enough for me and my kids. I can't imgine what your going thru, but you are an inspirtation. Your husband is 1 in a million to stand by and with you while you continue to improve and live your life! Bless you all!
I agree. Strong young woman and a very loyal husband. God bless them.
You are an amazing woman and an inspiration to others not to give up. God bless you and prayers for a complete recovery.
I wish that I even had half of your courage. You have made me hold my head high and want to fight through my comparatively miniscule problems. Your story has certainly put things into perspective. Thank you for sharing your story, and keep fighting!
Please don't use other people's misfortunes to capitalize for yourself. Posting your blog site and asking for money here is unethical. There are agencies and other avenues to explore if you are truly in need.
Nicole
Do you have any idea how much money this couple has spent trying to recover??? Insurance does not cover everything. Plus, the money is also used to host her website.
A cousin of mine was in a terrible accident in April of this year. He was told it would take a year to recover, learn how to walk again. 3 weeks ago he was granted permission to continue his career in the National Coast Guard in southeast Florida. Hope and a desire to achieve are powerful things. Never underestimate the human spirit.
well aren't you just an ass. You do realize that you are complaining about her story, yet just told everyone of yours....hypocrite.
God bless you and your family. What you have been through must be so hard that I can't even imagine it. Stay strong and hand in there. Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family!!
I am at a loss for words. I hope to see more of you and your family on CNN in the future. Thank you for sharing.
God Bless you and your family!! You are an amazing woman. Your story had truly inspired me.
I am so humbled by your courage and resiliance...after suffering a not nearly as severe stroke over 6 years ago I know something of what you are going through. I am still seeing some small improvements even though they say there is little improvement possible after the first two years, don't be discouraged. There is more possible, and I'm sure you will find the strength to overcome anything you put your mind to. Good luck and God Bless you and your family.
What a wonderful story to read right before the Holidays. You are an inspiration and a true hero for coming along as you have. Your family is lucky to have you in their lives. May God continue to bless you and yours and may the New Year bring you more success in your recovery.
that post was in response to JASON'S post
I wasn't aware this was a contest of who has it worse. If anything, you should have more compassion since you've been through hard times yourself. I wish both Katherine and you the best.
You should be ashamed of yourself for posting your website.
Jason, you sound like the crybaby here. She is not saying she has the hardest life of us all, she is merely demonstrating how she didn't give up when life handed her a crappy hand! I feel sorry for you, Jason. You obviously do have resentment issues and I hope you can find peace within yourself. Good luck to you, Katherine, keep fighting, your spirit is amazing! And good luck to you as well, Jason! I'll be thinking of you both!
It is shameful that you are riding on the back of those less fortunate than you. You may be a total scam for all we know, but we know you are doing here is wrong...VERY VERY WRONG, for you to post that here! Shame on you.
It is amazing and extremely fortunate that you are making a good recovery. I wish nothing but the best for you and for your family. Let's be honest here though people, your puppet master of a " god " did not determine whether this lady should live or die. The invisible man in the sky with a magnifying glass like that of a pre-pubescant boy is merely an ancient illusion set to control the masses for THE TIME IT WAS WRITTEN. So, this season, celebrate REASON!
@GodTookNoPart - please keep your agenda to yourself. This article celebrates the amazing recovery of this woman, it's not meant to be a forum for debate.
Then instead of replying to my " agenda " wouldn't it be more beneficial to your " cause " to not have even replied to my post? It didn't turn into a " debate " until you replied...
The "Reason" for the Season is Jesus.....CHRISTmas is celebrated to honor the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Father, God is no "puppet master" He created us with free will, we make the choice to put Him in control or to try and do it on our on. I will continue to pray for you and others like you. In the end, if I am wrong and there is no God and Heaven created by Him then what will I have lost? If you are wrong then you will spend eternity in a lake a fire.
This woman has an amazing story and has overcome so much, may God contiune to bless her and her family.
See " Banned from the bible " and " Banned from the bible II ." Religion is man-made my friend, as is the idea of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was a man that lived at one point, but nothing super-natural. Man also wrote the Bible, which is full of flaws, contradictions, and depictions of a very angry, jealous, unfair and brutal god. You probably also believe the Earth is only 7000 ( or whatever the bible says ) years old, correct? "What can be asserted without proof can be dismissed without proof" – Chris Hitchens. Want a good read to " test " your " faith ?" Check out " The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. There is no credible evidence for your God, all you have is the bible and what history has programmed in to you and your family members. You probably also believe we are alone in the universe. The truth is, without religion, this world would be a much more peaceful peace. "It is an interesting and demonstrable fact, that all children are atheists and were religion not inculcated into their minds, they would remain so." "Religion is an illusion and it derives its strength from the fact that it falls in with our instinctual desires." -Sigmund Freud." "You’re basically killing each other to see who’s got the better imaginary friend." -Richard Jeni Quote. Want more? Here you go ! http://leftofzen.com/quotes-atheism/2008/01/14/
And I agree with the gentleman above, If god was looking out for her then why did she have a stroke in the first place? How can you claim free will in one sentence, but in the next claim that god has a plan for us all? "If God is omniscient, he must already know how he is going to intervene to change the course of history using his omnipotence. But that means he can't change his mind about his intervention, which means he is not omnipotent." – R. Dawkins
I'm sorry but a god that sits back and lets children starve, women get beaten, and countries annihilate one another in the name of " religion " and " free will " is no god that I want to have anything to do with.
I’m amazed that the people who call for “reason” use so many straw man and unreasonable arguments. Godtooknopart argues against the Bible because some Christians believe the earth is young. This isn’t even the issue of the article, let alone the majority belief among many Biblical Scholars. Straw man argument two: “you probably believe you’re alone in the universe.” I could refute you by saying, “you probably believe that Dr. Spock is out there in deep space working out diplomacy with the Borg,” but I wont even though you probably do. In the end your argument concludes with a flimsy presupposition that the human race would be better with no religion at all. Just so you know, the other great minds who thought this same way were Hitler and Stalin. I’m not saying you are like them, but just realize who you are aligning yourself with. As for your assertion that Children are atheists, it seems like quite a ridiculous argument since children also don’t know math. How weak it is to assert that God must not exist since children don’t yet know he exist. Ultimately friend you would do well to read the Dawkins Delusion, by Alister McGrath. If you want proof that God exists look in the mirror and use reason to explain how you exist.
GodTookNoPart, I usually do not engage in debates concerning my faith, however, I would pose this for you to think about....If Christianity is indeed false and man made as you suggested, nothing is lost, no harm done for me believing it to be true, however if Christianity is true and real...you will have to pay your debt in Hell eternally for not believing....I would think that anyone would much rather believe that God does exist and the Jesus died for our sins, versus the latter. Your choice!
Doh! If there was no CHRIST, there would be no "season". The season is Christmas. Feel free to not celebrate, but don't tell others what to do.
I would like to also point out the Earth is only 7000 years old stereo typical response. First off a day to God has never been determined to exactly how long it is. And I would think the majority of Christians don't buy into it is 7000 years old. Good reason for this is history of man goes back a little further than that. Secondly nowhere in the bible does it state the earth is 7000 years old. No one knows how long Adam and Eve walked in the garden before being cast out. It doesn't say.. hey they were for 5 days, and on day 6 Eve made Adam do that. etc etc etc.. It would seem you get your reasoning from what you want to believe and not just plain facts in front of you. So how do you explain Christ making on the fish and bread for all those people out there that day. Mass hysteria? For the record, I am not a beliver nor non believer. I am a man who looks at everything and can make some reasonable deductions. Even historians don't dispute facts, Moses lived, Christ lived, and I don't see any of them disputing the miracles they did. Hey, I wasn't on the moon to verify Neil Armstrong stepped out and walked on the moon, but he did.
All very lame and very typical responses.
Explain me this : According to " christians " every other person in the world ( atheist, muslim, hindu, etc etc ) is going to burn eternally in hell for not accepting jesus christ as their lord and savior. Who are christians, or anyone else for that matter, to tell someone else that they are wrong. The Buddhist that is just as convinced, convicted, and passionate about his religion is going to argue the same argument you christians argue for yours. I was raised christian and always in church. Just as probably the majority of the christians that I am conversing with in the forum have been. Think about this, if you had been born to a tribe in Africa that worshipped a giant holy elephant you would argue to the death about your precious holy elephant. Why? Because that is what was encoded ( or brain washed ) into your mind. Think for yourselves and stop being sheep to what other people tell you is true.
Jesus loves you and so do I. I WILL PRAY that you get to know him.
It's cool that you can't even answer the most typical responses. You constantly resort to personal insults instead of engaging the arguments people are giving you and then say, "Typical Responses", as if that wins you the argument. I doesn't exactly make me think your as reasonable as you claim. If I had to judge who was more reasonable I think I would choose those who had good reasons for what they believe than one who can't even answer the most basic and "typical" objections to his theory. Celebrate Reason, Godtooknopart, and thank him for creating you with the ability to think more clearly and logically than you are presently demonstrating.
If things weren’t encoded into our brain we would know nothing (unless you believe in some sort of apriori knowledge). So the fact that something is encoded into our brain doesn’t make it right or wrong and it certainly doesn’t mean people are brainwashed, otherwise math flashcards brainwash us. That’s just a silly little argument.
There are things that are wrong and right, there is truth and error. You are right, if I was born in Africa I may have some sort of animism running through me causing me to worship an Elephant, but that doesn’t make it right worship. The difference between you and I is that I don’t think it’s reasonable to trust so much in human reason, we’ve been making colossal mistakes from the dawn of human history. Rather, I do believe that God reveals himself and his reason. I think his reason is better than yours. He is God you are not. It is a sad life to believe so strongly in something (human reason) that has a 6000 year track record of error and causing suffering, death, etc, etc, etc. I think its more reasonable to trust in God.
But I realize that my own argument may seem is self-defeating, for I am trusting in human reason (my own) to express the fallibility of human reason. However, I am not saying that humans are incapable of reason, just that our reason errors. Your argument is one way I think that our reason errors. We can still be reasonable enough – I hope – to realize that we aren’t the ultimate authority for knowledge. What is dangerous is that you are not willing to cede this reality in spite of the evidence.
There was a time in my life that I may have agreed with you, but for more than 35 yrs that "god" I wasn't sure existed has convinced me otherwise and I have not a shred of doubt... something only a true God could do. If you are sincerely seeking Truth and not just enjoying the debate, may I suggest "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller? The merriest of Christmas's to you.
wow that was one of the rudest things someone could have said.
that was supposed to be a reply to Jason.
May God continue to bless you and your family!
God Bless you and your family! This truly is a Miracle! May God continue to work in your lives and this be a testimony to help others in there journey.
No miracle or testimony-hard work, determination, and science at work.
Ok you think what you think and I will believe what I know...Thanks for reading.
Praise God for your recovery & your family! I hope you continue to get stronger every day!! My mom had a stroke at 42 ~ her friends & family helped to re-teach her to cook, etc. She never did regain speech, but thanks to her willingness to get better & her friends, she was able to give us as normal of a childhood as she could.
Hats off to all the people who gave up so much for you and your baby.
Katherine, you are an amazing inspiration and such a beautiful person! Thank you for sharing your story (and thank you, CNN, for getting it out to us!) God bless you, girl, and may you continue to feel his blessings in your life!
Hats off. Give it hell!!!
Thank you for sharing you are an inspiration. God Bless You.
So you made bad choices all the way along, and now you want people to bail you out. Well there are government agencies that do that...if you really are needy. If you are not that way but just want a free handout you have come to the wrong place. As bad off as this woman is you do not see her stretching her hand out and saying "gimme." Sell the half completed house...someone will buy it as is, and use the money for food instead of the high tech way of standing on the street corner with a tin cup. What you are doing is horrible...trying to get sympathy riding on the back of someone really in need. I'll help those in need, but you surely don't look like you are one of those!
Schnoodledad – when replying to others that have left predatory or offensive posts, it is best to include the name of who you are replying to so that when their post is removed it doesn't look like you are a horrible jerk. I had to read your post twice before I realized what was going on.
awesome story...i pray for a full recovery...this is what i like to see...
She is absolutely gorgeous, and her husband is probably one of the best men alive. I'm sure this has brought them even closer and made them a better family than they ever could have been.
I just hope the husband doesn't get sick of helping all the time and runs off with another woman.... That would really suck.
Is that a wishful thinking or what?! Dear Lauren, you missed a precious opportunity to remain silent.
He is a man dedicated to serving the Lord and his wife. There is no room for questioning his character...
I've known Jay for over 15 years, and he is NOT the guy who will run off with another woman, and shame on you for saying something like that. He loves Katharine dearly and has stuck by her side through all of this and will continue to do so, as their marriage is not of the world but of the Lord. A lot of people could learn from their marriage.
so.
Glen, if "so" is the extent of your vocabulary, I pity you.
Katherine's story is truly a story of perseverance, and should be an inspiration to all those who are down on their luck, or whom God is testing their will to survive.
What an amazing story! Unfortunate that it happened in the first place but she has made amazing progress! I have known two young mothers that died too soon due to stroke and heart complications so it's nice to hear that she not only beat some incredible odds at survival but is getting stronger.
Thanks for doing a story on this. Her story is so touching. She is amazing and inspiring!!!!!! Her husband is an amazing man as well. I wish their family the best and hope she continues to recover.
What an inspiration. A truly beautiful young woman inside and out. I pray she continues to improve. Her husband is a blessing.
Just so that everybody knows, the last half dozen or so negative posts are in response to someone posting their web site and asking for money...that offensive post has been deleted by the file modorators which leaves the above posts out of context. None of those negative posts are relative to Katherine! Of course GLENN above is just being an @$$.
Beautiful story! God bless you, your husband and kids!
WOW!!! and I thought I was the only one these things happen to. In September of 2006 I suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, I damned near died I underwent brain surgery to repairthe aneurysm, I was in a coma for 5 weeks and I too had to go through several of those swallowing tests, that was 4 years ago< still speak with a sur and I walk like a toddler, I have virtually no memory, no patience, I have completely lost 25-30 years of on the job experience as a maintenance tech/ A/C repair guy, not to mention the fact nobody is going to hire the guy who's brain blew up while running to his truck I tried to go back to work a year and a half ago and I ended up being given the choice of quit or get fired if I had allowed myself to be fired I would have lost the apartment my family lives in and so I quit I still experience moderate to severe tremors in my left limbs, i have a constant deafening ringing in my ears and my vision is tolerable somedays and other days I can't even go outside the house, on those days my vision is blurry and double on the bright side that 2 months in the intensive care ward helped me to quit smoking cigarettes although smoking pot does releive my headaches and straightens out my visual problems, anyway it is good to see that you have survived this far and I wish you the best of luck
For the militant atheists out there, please give this family a break. Besides, you may change your mind about faith if you find your child, mother, or partner in similar difficulty. The God I believe in is one of love. But his laws are pretty tough too. I'm still learning to grapple with them. But regardless of what each one of us believe in, I think we can agree that this lady and her family are an inspiration to us all. Happy Holidays everybody!!
I suddenly feel like a total wimp for complaining about a sore back today. Be sure to teach your little boy to be strong like you and to never give up. This is a good example of why we should help each other. We never know when we will need to rely on others.