Shawn & Sue Ruettimann

On March 8th tragedy hit Shawn and Sue Ruettimann in a way that no one should experience. It was a typical day Sue sent Shawn off to work at Metal Matic where he has worked for 32 years. Shawn’s co workers noticed that Shawn wasn’t talking and he was having a hard time walking. A short time into his shift his assistant supervisor sent him home. Shawn drove home and fortunately Sue heard the garage door open and went out to see why. Shawn was unable to walk and was trying and unable to get out of their SUV. Sue quickly realized she needed to call 911. THE PROGNOSIS Shawn had suffered a stroke and since this stroke he has suffered 9 smaller ones and another big one. Because of the delay in time from when he suffered the stroke at work and arrived at the hospital doctors were unable to reverse the effects. It was confusing that he was able to drive himself home and the doctors explained that his brain was able to basically be on auto pilot and he was able to drive home. RECOVERY This is going to be a long road. When Shawn first arrived at the hospital he couldn’t walk, talk, move his arms, or write. This was the most difficult thing to see. Not many of us could imagine the hell a person must go through to be awake yet unable to communicate even the simplest thoughts or needs. Shawn now struggles to get words out and is able to lift his left hand. He is working hard with therapy everyday all day to try to get feeling back in his right arm and leg. However, he is still unable to move them. Every day is a struggle mentally and physically. When Shawn leaves Courage Kenny he will be going to their sister company in Golden Valley to continue his rehabilitation before he comes home. WHAT YOU CAN DO If you have time, visit Shawn. Be prepared this is very difficult but he needs that support. Call Sue or take time to have lunch with her. She’s burning the candle at both ends and not taking the time to care for herself. Someone to talk to goes a long way. Remember Shawn and Sue in your prayers. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and prayers to get them through this. Financially they need all the support they can get. No amount is too small and anything is appreciated. The bills have already started rolling in and the price of the care he has received and will need long term is staggering. Along with all of the gas back and forth for Sue everyday! We know this is long but thank you for taking the time to read this.