I’ve always been a take-charge kind of person. As a wife, mother, daughter, and sister, I organize, arrange, and make sure everyone is taken care of. I also love to cook and delight in having my family and friends gathered around my table. That all changed seven years ago. I had just put my “famous” mushroom lasagna in the oven when I suddenly slumped to the floor. At the hospital, doctors explained I’d had a stroke, the result of a blood clot in my brain. I didn’t believe them and insisted they were wrong. I wasn’t prepared for them to be right.

My name is Suzanne Cliff, and I am a stroke survivor. I learned to adapt to life with paralysis and even to let others take care of me. It hasn’t been easy. But thanks to Kessler Foundation, I’m reclaiming my independence and regaining control of my life. But I still have work to do, as do so many others like me.

After weeks of rehabilitation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, I returned home to my amazingly supportive family, my husband, two children, siblings, and parents, and developed a new “recipe” for daily living that helped me get back on my feet… until I fell and fractured my hip. Surgery, followed by more therapy, set me back physically and emotionally. It was then that one of my Kessler Institute therapists encouraged me to join the groundbreaking research at Kessler Foundation led by Karen J. Nolan, PhD, associate director of the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research.

I’ve been fortunate to participate in several studies involving the use of an exoskeleton. If you’re not familiar with this technology, let me tell you: It’s exciting. These wearable robotic devices are transforming how people with paralysis regain the ability to walk. 

At every step of this journey, I’ve been blessed to have the love and support of my family, my “given” family. I’m also indebted to my “chosen” family, the research team at Kessler Foundation, who have transformed my life. I’m grateful for their knowledge, encouragement, and determination. They understand that giving up is never an option for me. And like them, I’m committed to making a difference in how people recover.

I’ve had the opportunity to test various exoskeletons and braces and provide feedback to researchers and industry leaders. My voice is being heard, which is empowering. Equally important, my strength, balance, and gait have improved, and, with that, I have realized that I am once again in charge of my future. 

There are no words to express my gratitude for the support of the talented researchers and staff at Kessler Foundation. Because of them, people like me can increasingly resume our lives with confidence and independence. When I am able, I want to bring my “chosen” Kessler Foundation family to my table to share mushroom lasagna with my “given” family.