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Patient Stories

Learn what Stroke Center patients say about their experience with CentraCare Health.

Nancy got help in time when she was having stroke because of a refrigerator magnet.

~ Nancy Kjar, ischemic stroke patient

LeAnn suffered a type of stroke that is more rare and devastating than a normal stroke. Placed into a medical-induced coma, LeAnn’s condition was dire and her future ominous.

Today, she’s walking, talking and getting stronger every day.

~ LeAnn Heim, recovering from subarachnoid hemorrhage

LeAnn's story

Jeff tells how his young daughters saved his life --- and his brain --- following a stroke.

~ Jeff Birch, Melrose, stroke at age 45

Jeff's story

“I work in health care and even when they were telling me I had a stroke, I thought they were overreacting. I was young, active and had good cholesterol. Strokes were for old people.”

~ Angela Gross, Sartell, stroke at age 39

Angela's story

Days before, Kathryn had awakened with a blinding headache before suffering a stroke. Thanks to the quick action of her family, Kathryn recovered and is here to tell her story.

~ Kathryn, Annandale, stroke patient, age 50

Kathryn's story

As a farmer by trade and avid fisherman, Jim McNally, from Winona, knows firsthand that timing is everything. This proved especially true while Jim was enjoying a weekend of fishing with friends near Alexandria in February 2014.

~ Jim, Winona, stroke at age 65

Jim's story

Lou and Kylee’s bond is even stronger after Kylee saved her grandmother’s life following a stroke.

~ Lou Palmer, Clara City, stroke at age 73

Lou's story

Deloris is one of more than 40 people who have used telestroke services now available in rural Central Minnesota through CentraCare Health – Long Prairie.