Stroke victim says goodbye to post-stroke ROCK

It is just a few days after the fourth anniversary of my stroke. I can honestly say that the major reason for my recovery (both short term and long term) were due to the great folks at Meriter Hospital's (Madison) inpatient and outpatient stroke rehabilitation units. Considered one of the top rehab programs in the country, Meriter announced this week that it is shutting down it's outpatient, daily rehab unit.

Meriter Hospital will close its outpatient program for people who have suffered strokes and brain injuries as part of recently announced job cuts. The decision follows news last week that Meriter Health Services is cutting 57 positions. The Day Rehabilitation program is scheduled to close on Nov. 1, but Knowles said Meriter plans to introduce a new, more efficient program to treat those patients.

Wednesday evening a large number of former stroke rebab patients packed Meriter's Rehab Center to say goodbye to those who so successfully worked with us to rehab following strokes.

I understand that many of you reading this don't understand the impact the Meriter's stroke rehabilitation therapists have had on my life. They were the rock that allowd me and hundreds of others to get back on our feet, at times with a little help. Those working at Meriter's stroke rehab were family to me. Even at Wednesday night's somber event, they continued to show me the understanding and courage to continue with a partially disabled body.

I understand that the world is not fair but I wish the "higher ups" who made the decision could walk "just a mile" in the shoes of the many stroke victims that relied on Meriter Hospital for stroke rehabilitation services. We are ALL upset about the elimination of jobs due to this cutback.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, Meriter Hospital will close its outpatient program for people who have suffered strokes and brain injuries as part of recently announced job cuts.

"It's a great program, it's just not financially sustainable," said Mae Knowles, spokeswoman for Meriter. "It is on track to lose $200,000 this year."

The decision follows news last week that Meriter Health Services is cutting 57 positions.

The Day Rehabilitation program is scheduled to close on Nov. 1st.
I undertand this situation has nothing to due with football but for a stroke victim the recent news has been extremely disappointing.

Best of luck to my peeps at Meriter Stroke Rehab - you guys are the best!!!