Physical therapy has helped Pat and Ray Hawkins overcome the obstacles of Ray's stroke.

In May 2005, Ray and Pat Hawkins faced an abrupt life change. Ray had a stroke. Now, nearly two years later, life is improving for the Silver Lakes couple.

"We've been to hell and back," Pat says. "But now things are looking up a bit more."

Ray has made strides forward but experienced setbacks over the last two years due to additional health problems. The physical therapy and tips he received from the fully licensed clinicians of St. Mary Medical Center's Rehabilitation Services have helped to give him and Pat courage to move forward.

"They've given us a lot of confidence," Pat says.

Ray's walking ability is one of the efforts that have come and gone through the roller coaster ride following his stroke. He has aphasia, which impairs his ability to speak and comprehend words, but recently he has made headway in using the telephone. He is also able to get in and out of his chair with little help, and likes to play fetch with his dog, Duke.

Ray had physical therapy immediately following the stroke and recovered some of his movement and speech. Then in January 2006 he had a seizure, and lost his mobility and words again. It was following the seizure that Ray received treatment in all three areas – physical, occupation and speech – from the therapists at St. Mary.

"They really got him going," Pat says.

Eventually, he was able to walk down the hall. Speech therapy was also beneficial. He found the exercises challenging and fulfilling.

Different therapists worked with Ray over his months of therapy at St. Mary, which Pat says was an asset.

"I realized each one of them had a different approach with different tips that all added up," Pat says.

In spite of the challenges, Ray and Pat are determined to move on. They've taken a trip to Hawaii, driven to their old home in Oregon and enjoy jaunts to Las Vegas.

"We try not to back out of doing things that take some courage," Pat says.