Patient Stories
Bev Marcue, Lancaster
Stroke Care
You’d never guess by her smile and the sound of her laughter – how much Bev Marcue of Lancaster, has gone through, but she is determined to face each day with a positive attitude. In the last three years, she has suffered two strokes causing her world to turn upside down. "I'm not going to let this ruin my life," Bev explains, a former Piggly Wiggly deli worker. "I have so much to live for and my family is so important to me – they keep me going!"
Since her first stroke in June 2008, she has struggled to speak clearly and walk more than a short distance. She remembers waking up in the middle of the night with a terrible headache and no feeling in her hand. Francis, her husband of 43 years, rushed her to Grant Regional's ER, but the doctors couldn't determine if her symptoms had started recently enough to administer the clot-busting drug tPA. She was hospitalized for three weeks during that time she worked to regain speech and mobility.
Her favorite hobbies – including sewing, gardening and making handmade cards, not to mention her occupation - seemed impossible. But through physical therapy at Grant Regional, she has gradually regained her mobility, has relearned to talk and essentially rethink daily living as she once knew. Francis lovingly adds, “She cooks just as wonderful – it just takes her twice as long.” Even through two more episodes, Bev is more determined than ever and refuses to give up. She is very grateful to Grant Regional for the excellent care she received. She is also excited to know that Grant Regional is embarking on a telemedicine program that will advance the capabilities to treat stroke and other issues with remarkable technology. “With strokes, timing is extremely important. We are so lucky to have our local hospital,” insists Bev. “I don’t even let myself think what might have happened if I would have had to travel a great distance for emergency care. Thanks Grant Regional for everything!”
