WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – It was 17 years ago when Richard Sills’ life took a scary turn for the worse.
“When I had my stroke, I was 46-years-old. In a moment, basically my whole life changed. It was devastating I thought my life was over,” recounted Sills.
But it wasn’t over. Having a stroke brought new meaning to Sills’ life.
After a long stay in the hospital followed by a long stay with Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Sills knew he needed to give back.
“When I heard about the peer mentoring program, and I was asked if I wanted to be part of it-without hesitation I said yes,” Sills said.
Now he helps others who are navigating life after a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
“Best part is meeting the patients and their families and trying to make a difference and I really am trying to make a difference. My message is, don’t give up,” he said.
And patients like Kim Lapman listen.
“When I came to Gaylord, I couldn’t walk, couldn’t talk, couldn’t see out of one eye and thought my life was over,” Lapman said. “Richard was right, there is life after stroke.”
Lapman now volunteers side by side with Richard who was once her peer mentor.
Together the pair inspires and motivates patients like Derek Ropicki, a 43-year-old father of three who has been at Gaylord since January following a stroke.
Life doesn’t always go as planned but you are here for a reason.
“I knew it wasn’t my time. I knew I was going to come through this,” Sills said.
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