This Stroke Week let’s give back to Thomas Hogan Rehab Wang

Early in the hours of the 29th January 2024, Robbie and the McKeown family’s life changed in an instant. We woke to a call that Dad had suffered a major stroke at home in Yarrawonga and was being rushed to Wangaratta hospital. After Dad had arrived at Emergency we were told that he had endured 4 massive strokes, the last being a brain stem stroke…and as a result Dad was unable to speak and had little to no movement in his right side.

As the hours slowly ticked by, we were to learn that Dad’s prognosis was grave and we were to prepare for the worst, the unimaginable, the absolute most devastating news we could fathom. Doctors had advised us to start preparing and making arrangements for what was to come, there was little to no hope…

but true to form, Robbie was up for the good fight. After four gruelling long hard months in Thomas Hogan Rehabilitation Centre at Northeast Health Wangaratta, Robbie WALKED out of the hospital for the very last time, he was coming home! We never really thought that we would see this day. Rob had to learn how to breathe, how to walk, how to eat, how to talk again…he is undeniably our walking talking miracle!

And he could not have done any of this without the support of his absolutely amazing care team at Thomas Hogan! We will never be able to truly show our thanks and gratitude for the unconditional love, care and compassion that Robbie and our family received during his time at Wang, the staff are without a doubt, the epitome of heroes.

This coming week is National Stroke Week (Aug 5th-11th) and quite fittingly, this also coincides with a very special birthday for our Rob, his 68th this Saturday 10th August. In honour of Robbie and his remarkable journey, we would like to raise awareness and show our heartfelt thanks by giving back and supporting this amazing rehab centre who have literally given our Dad, his life back.

Rehabilitation for stroke patients is hard to comprehend…it’s gruelling, it’s exhausting, it’s emotional and so difficult, not only for the loved one, but for the family watching on, trying to keep sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.

We would like to raise much needed funds so the next Rob and the next family, just like us, who unfortunately are faced with the same life challenge, can be reassured to know they are in the best hands, the best care and the best place in the country!

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our extended family, friends, friends of friends, our communities, those from afar, everyone who has offered so much to us during this very challenging time. Your love and support will never be forgotten.

If you’re able to spare a dollar or two, please click and donate to help us raise some much needed and appreciated funds for the truly amazing rehab centre that is Thomas Hogan Wangaratta, our way of saying thank you.

Robbie, as you would say, “shit happens” and we get up and just keep on keeping on. You are amazing!

We love you Robbie ❤️