#NeverGiveUp: Challenge Accepted!
Shortly following my stroke, nine-year-old Jackson Cunningham wrote a letter to tell me about the stroke he had only a year earlier.
"Do not give up on yourself. All the hard work is worth it," he wrote.
His powerful story encouraged me to work even harder at my recovery. Since then, Jackson and I have written to each other regularly and even visited each other in Illinois and Washington, D.C. As a young boy who loves playing sports with friends, Jackson's number one goal was to be able to run again. During one of our visits, shortly after Jackson had began running again, he challenged me to a race. This week, Jackson and I fulfilled that promise. Find out who won:
As a stroke survivor, I know better than most the value stroke research and rehabilitation plays in helping patients return to work and lead fulfilling lives. Since suffering a stroke, I have seen first-hand the disparity in rehabilitation and overall care for stroke survivors. Stroke is the leading cause of disability for adults in the United States and the 4th leading cause of death. I am committed to working towards a world where all stroke survivors are able to return to work. Learn more about my work on behalf of stroke survivors.
Thanks to the University of Illinois football team for graciously hosting our race. Good luck this weekend in your first game of the season!
Thanks @IlliniFootball coach & players for hosting Jackson & me – good luck in 1st game of 125th season Saturday! pic.twitter.com/xwiC9FZpMi
— Mark Kirk (@SenatorKirk) August 25, 2014
