Support Robby's Complete Stroke Recovery

On May 19th, 2024 Robby was taking a nature walk with his family when he exhibited stroke symptoms including a droop, right-sided weakness and the inability to speak. He was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with an embolic stroke blocking the blood flow to nearly half of his brain. Thankfully he underwent an immediate procedure (called a thrombectomy) to remove the clot and restore blood flow to his brain, and much of the initial stroke symptoms resolved. After five days in the ICU, the doctors found that a common heart condition is likely the cause of the stroke and he is otherwise medically stable. Unfortunately a region of the brain that sustained damage is the language center of the brain. This means Robby's biggest challenge in recovery is largely to regain his ability to communicate. Robby was transferred to one of the top Stroke Rehabilitation Centers in Los Angeles and then was discharged home a week later to be reunited with his children.

At this time, Robby is doing well and making great progress with his physical strength and continues to have expressive aphasia, meaning difficulty communicating through both talking and writing. He will be working daily over the coming weeks with Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. The initial acute phase of rehab after a stroke is covered by insurance, however ongoing intensive therapy specifically working on his language deficit would not be covered by insurance and would be a total out of pocket expense. Robby just received word that he was accepted into an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. This program is the nationally recognized leader in Aphasia treatment to help give Robby the very best opportunity to regain his ability to speak again. He will be spending 30 hours a week for an entire month undergoing the most advanced therapies to restore what was lost in this devastating stroke. This program does not take insurance and the cost is $22,850, in addition to the costs of relocation for Tala and the three kids for the month.

While the events over the last five weeks have been devastating for Robby and Tala and the children, with the right therapy and resources we believe that he will back to his baseline in time. The Schwindt’s are so moved by everyone’s generosity, support and prayers during this season in their lives.

Thank you for considering being a part of Robby’s stroke recovery in this way.

-Gharfeh, Schwindt, Alhajj families