An Ordinary Weekend Turned Life-Changing

Jacob Adkisson and his husband, Taylor Hess, kicked off a joyful weekend in East Texas celebrating their niece's wedding. But as they headed back to their home in Denver, an ordinary escalator ride at the airport sparked a terrifying ordeal.

A Startling Warning Sign

At just 37, Adkisson felt a tingling sensation in his right leg while on the escalator. He brushed it off, thinking it was either a pinched nerve or the weight of his duffle bag. But as they boarded their flight, that tingling evolved into a creeping numbness that spread up his leg and into his arm.

A Fight for Survival

Ignoring the alarming signs, Adkisson remained silent. However, by the time the flight was nearing its end, he could barely chew food or move his face. It was only when they retrieved their bags that he confided in Hess: "Something's wrong with me. We need to go to the hospital."

Recognition and Urgency

Having previously worked in a hospital's patient administration, Adkisson instinctively identified his plight in the emergency room — "I think I’m having a stroke." His words triggered a swift response from medical personnel, leading them to discover that high blood pressure was blocking blood flow to his brain.

The Gripping Reality of a Stroke

Adkisson had suffered an ischemic stroke caused by a tear in an artery. The implications were daunting, threatening his speech, movement, and dreams of returning to life as he knew it. With support from his nurse, Penny, who had seen others recover from similar strokes, he resolved not to give up.

A Journey Through Healing

The next day, therapy commenced. Though his right arm and leg were paralyzed, small victories fueled his determination. Whether it was scratching his nose or standing on his own, each step forward provided motivation.

The Remarkable Comeback

Adkisson's recovery astonished even his husband, Hess. "Seeing Jacob go from partially paralyzed to running a mile is nothing short of miraculous," he said, impressed by his husband's perseverance and transformative journey.

Spreading Awareness about Stroke Symptoms

Now a voice for stroke awareness, Adkisson cautions others to recognize that not all strokes present the same way. "Learn the signs of stroke and seek help immediately," he urges. His own experience taught him how vital it is to stay vigilant about health.

Back in the Driver's Seat

Months into his recovery, driving remained a daunting prospect for Adkisson, fearing another stroke could happen behind the wheel. Gradually, he built up his confidence, starting small before fully returning to the road.

A Milestone Celebration