For nearly 60 years of marriage, Marlene and Joe have been firmly by one another’s side. Together, the pair raised two children and have two granddaughters who live near their home in Irondequoit where they have lived for five decades.
On a September morning in 2025, Joe noticed Marlene struggling to get out of bed.
“When I came in [our bedroom], she was on the floor,” Joe said. “She could not get up. She could not speak very well.”
Although Marlene initially refused to go to the hospital, her symptoms worsened later that day, prompting Joe to call 911 for an ambulance. Marlene was ultimately diagnosed with a stroke that affected the right side of her body, leaving her unable to walk or speak clearly and no movement of her right arm.
A slow but gradual recovery through Golisano Rehabilitation
After initially being treated at Rochester General Hospital, Marlene continued her recovery through inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation at Golisano Restorative Neurology & Rehabilitation Center. She was paired with physical, occupational, and speech therapists who worked closely with her for several weeks.
“I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t walk,” Marlene explained. “I had great therapists and they got me walking.”
“Whenever she came to therapy, she had the biggest smile on her face,” said Katie Aderounmu, who worked with Marlene as an occupational therapist. “She was so motivated to participate in therapy, and it was such a joy to see that. She was so willing to put in the hard work, and I don’t remember a session where she wasn’t excited to be there.”
With determination - and the unwavering support of Joe and their family - Marlene progressed from using a wheelchair to walking independently without a cane.
Marlene says her care team became “like family,” helping her regain both strength and confidence.
“You don’t realize how hard it is to do something you took for granted,” Marlene said.
Stepping into a new post-stroke life
After three weeks, Marlene was discharged from inpatient rehabilitation at Golisano Rehabilitation and went back to living at home with Joe.
Marlene continues to receive outpatient therapy at Unity Rehabilitation & Neurology at Ridgeway and remains close to her occupational therapist Maria and physical therapist Colleen.
The therapy team says Joe keeps them prompt; he arrives early for every appointment - even in the middle of a snowstorm. They joke that even if everyone else cancelled in a blizzard, Joe would have Marlene there.
Her days at home are different than they used to be. She still has trouble with some aphasia and has lost most of the use of her right arm. Adapting to this new lifestyle can be challenging some days. But she has Joe with her to share in those moments, whether they are frustrating or joyful.
Marlene’s advice for others
Marlene says her story is an example of the sobering reminder that a stroke can happen to anyone. She had no prior conditions, significant risk factors, or family history.
When she tells her story, she and Joe both stress the importance of stroke awareness and being educated on the warning signs of a stroke.
Marlene says she regrets delaying a phone call for the first ambulance that came and stresses that anyone who suspects something is wrong should take it seriously.
“I had signs that this was going to happen and I wasn’t aware of it,” Marlene said. “If I had to tell anybody anything, it would be to pay attention to your body.”
With the new life she has in front of her, she wants to do as much as she can.
“As many years as I have that the Lord is going to give me, I want to live them to the fullest,” Marlene said.
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