My 12 and A Half Year Journey

Hello, my name is Pete Cornelis, I am a stroke survivor. Mine was a 12 and a half year odyssey. I came back from being paralyzed, unable to speak, eat, five brain procedures, deep center brain surgery, lost hearing in my right ear and had a massive stroke. I'm not telling you this because I want you to feel sorry for me. I'm telling you this because I am living proof that you can recover. My organization is based on that fact. The human spirit is not a measurable thing like an organ or a bone. The human spirit does exist and is a powerful, awesome thing and I'd like to help others find their human spirit.

I feel passionately that recovery is possible. When Stroke happens, it is true that part of the brain dies when denied blood, nutrients and oxygen. It is also true that the brain is capable of training other parts to do what the damaged part used to do! I submit to you the series of paintings on the Hope 4 Stroke survivors page demonstrating the brains ability not only to retrain brain cells, but also my opposite hand. Today, as a bonus, I can use both hands independently. I walk and talk like everyone else, and eat without a feeding tube.

The problem is, as stroke survivors, we are ill-prepared to face the length of recuperation we all must face. If you are a stroke survivor or a family member of a stroke survivor and are facing difficulties recuperating or dealing with stroke itself, call us if you are willing and want to get well. If you are just passing by and caught this web page, please make a donation. Please help us help fellow stroke survivors and their families.