Sandy is a 61-year-old Hospital Office Associate at Summa’s Cooper Cancer Center. In August 2024, she began experiencing unexplained episodes of dizziness and unsteadiness that made walking difficult. Over time, her symptoms worsened, and she later developed seizures. Further testing revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in her brain.

In September 2025, the AVM suddenly deteriorated, requiring urgent brain surgery. Sandy underwent embolization followed by a craniotomy to remove the AVM. While the procedure was lifesaving, it left her profoundly weak — unable to sit up, walk, or use her left hand or leg. Faced with these sudden changes, Sandy feared she might never regain her independence.

Following surgery, her physicians recommended inpatient rehabilitation at Summa Rehab Hospital to begin the recovery process.

When Sandy arrived, she was severely debilitated. She had significant left-sided weakness, poor balance, and a strong lean to the left while sitting or standing. She required extensive assistance for bed mobility and walking and had difficulty lifting her legs. Everyday tasks that were once automatic felt overwhelming and required hands-on help for nearly all mobility.

Through immediate and intensive therapy at Summa Rehab Hospital, Sandy began making remarkable progress. She first practiced walking in the parallel bars, then advanced to the LiteGait® Mobility Aide, and eventually progressed to using a walker. With each step, her strength, balance, and confidence continued to grow.

“My recovery team was truly exceptional,” Sandy shared. She credited her physical, occupational, and speech therapists — including Shannon, Jen, Siobhan, Asia, Abby, Jessica (OT), Jessica (ST), Michelle, and Ashley — along with many dedicated nursing, therapy, and dietary staff. “Their encouragement, teamwork, and expertise played a huge role in helping me regain my mobility, independence, and hope for the future.”

Today, Sandy walks independently at home and in her community, with dramatic improvement in both her balance and left-sided strength. She continues her rehabilitation through Summa Rehab Hospital’s outpatient program, working with physical therapy to build strength and balance, occupational therapy to improve daily tasks, and speech therapy to support cognitive recovery.

With steady progress, Sandy is approaching her goal of returning to work and plans to re-enter the workforce this spring.

“I am so thankful for all the care I have received here — it truly has been outstanding,” Sandy said. Reflecting on her journey, she added, “My husband was my rock, and Jesus was always beside me.”