It Takes a Team: Rob’s Remarkable Road to Recovery

Rob Weir (middle) is on the road to recovery after his stroke back in January. With the help of his care team, including Joe Foris, Physiotherapist (left), Ally Brown, Occupational Therapist (right) and family (including his granddaughter Lilly), he's on the path to success.

Local Brantford resident Rob Weir is known for being a ‘jack of all trades.’ Whether you need help fixing something around the house, require contractor services, have computer tech requests, need a bus driver, or want to rock out with his band - Rob is full of energy and has a wide range of hobbies and interests. However, when he had a stroke back in January, everything paused in his life. 

When Rob’s wife, Heather, was noticing signs that her husband was having a stroke, she immediately called 9-1-1 and acted fast. He was taken to the Emergency Department at Brantford General Hospital (BGH) where he was assessed for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Rob was then quickly transferred to Hamilton Health Sciences’ Hamilton General Hospital where he received EVT treatment. This procedure involves removing the clot in the brain that is blocking blood flow and causing functional deficits.

The District Stroke Program involves collaboration among hospitals in the community to ensure a seamless patient transfer for life saving treatments such as EVT. "Calling 9-1-1 is the first step into this organized system of care," says Candace Coe, District Stroke Coordinator. "Time is brain, so every minute counts when it comes to a stroke—don't hesitate to seek help.”

Following the successful treatment, Rob began his rehabilitation journey at BGH.

The team on BGH's Integrated Stroke Unit (ISU) is comprised of nurses, speech language pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, occupational and physical therapy assistants, personal support workers, physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, unit clerks, volunteers and a stroke navigator all dedicated to supporting stroke survivors on their road to recovery.

Joe Foris, a Physiotherapist who has been at BGH for over 21 years, assisted Rob in the early stages of his stroke rehabilitation journey. Joe worked with Rob for about two weeks, and at first, Rob could only walk 10 to 15 feet due to significant weakness on one side. Throughout their sessions, they focused on strengthening, improving balance, and walking with and eventually without a cane, while also addressing safety on stairs.

Rob also worked with Ally Brown, an Occupational Therapist.  Ally's role involves assessing various aspects of functioning including physical, cognitive, and visual/perceptual abilities, and how they affect daily activities. “My focus in the stroke recovery process is to support patient's goals related to the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure, which can look different with each individual,” says Ally.

Rob's stroke impacted his brain's ability to attend to one side of his body and the space around him. This impacts the ability to perform tasks such as getting dressed and navigating in the environment.

Rob often talked about his job as a school bus driver, and how he missed the kids on his route.  He made the bus rides enjoyable by playing music and decorating for holidays. Music is important to him, as he enjoys being in a band. “We used instruments like the guitar and piano in his sessions which helped him engage and focus on both sides of his body,” says Ally. “It was amazing to see how this passion of his made a difference in how well he was able to engage and participate actively in his recovery.”

“Kudos to everyone who works here, especially the incredible team including Monica, Maddi, Ally, Joe, Lynn, Beth, Maria, Jenn, Sheri, and many of the doctors and extended staff. These people are great, and I want everyone to know that.”

When BCHS sat down with Rob and talked about his experience, he expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude for the staff who supported him throughout his journey. “Everyone was amazing,” says Rob. “Kudos to everyone who works here, especially the incredible team including Monica, Maddi, Ally, Joe, Lynn, Beth, Maria, Jenn, Sheri and many of the doctors and extended staff. These people are great, and I want everyone to know that.”

Rob’s family also helped play a huge role in getting him back on his feet and on the mend. His strong motivation to return to his supportive wife, kids and grandkids kept him going, and they visited him daily during his time in the ISU. “We’re always happy to see family get involved and help with patients’ motivation, recovery, and a safe transition home,” says Joe.

Rob is still receiving physio and occupational therapy at BGH’s Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program, and the team is pleased to see him making progress with his therapy goals. Although he only visits twice a week for sessions, he still sees many of the people who played a crucial role in his journey. “It’s rewarding to witness clients return home and regain their lives, whether through hobbies, work, or family engagement," says Joe.

Rob is working hard to get back into making music, jamming, doing handyman work, and being the cool bus driver again. He enjoys his sessions in the physiotherapy gym and appreciates the people there even more. “I feel good when I come here, and I feel good when I leave,” he shares. He has also started attending the Adult Recreational Therapy Center, a community-based program offering recreational, physical, social, and aphasia support.

His stroke recovery has been a long journey—one requiring the care of professionals, the support of loved ones, and his own determination. From first responders to the District Stroke Center, Integrated Stroke Unit, Outpatient Rehab, and now the Adult Recreational Therapy Center, each step along the way has played a vital role in Rob’s recovery.

“My biggest advice is to involve patients, their families, and friends in the rehabilitation process,” says Joe. “Early on, it may be challenging both physically and emotionally but demonstrating even small improvements can motivate the patient’s 'team' to stay committed to the recovery goals.”