“Hill … hill … bike,” responds Dan Richter when asked about his goals as he gestures upward with his left hand. His wife, Micole, explains that Dan, an avid cyclist and father of three, wants to resume his long rides through the mountains. What would that mean to him? Dan smiles and signals “V” for victory.

Indeed, that would be a milestone for Dan, who, in May 2022, had a massive stroke. Rushed to the hospital, Dan underwent surgery to remove a portion of his skull that relieved pressure on his brain. Still, he was left unable to walk, use his right arm, eat, or speak. Once stabilized, Dan began rehabilitation and received extensive therapies to help to restore his skills. His progress was slow and often frustrating, but he persevered.

Micole, a tireless advocate for her husband, began exploring the latest in stroke rehabilitation research, which led her to Kessler Foundation. Thanks to donors like you, this innovative research is enhancing individual recovery following a stroke. Dan participated in two Kessler Foundation studies before joining Dr. Olga Boukrina’s investigation of exercise and reading. It seemed like an ideal fit for Dan, who has aphasia, a condition that impacts speech and the capacity to process spoken or written language and express thoughts. Five days a week, he attends a two-and-a-half-hour session during which he rides a stationary bike, followed by reading exercises and functional neuroimaging. Dan admits to feeling a sense of accomplishment after each session and is encouraged by the progress he’s making.

“Morning … night … it’s beautiful!” says Dan, grateful not only to be alive but also for the research that, through the generous support of donors like you, is making a real difference in the lives of stroke survivors like him.