Sharp Rehabilitation Services — Steve's Story

Learn how Sharp Rehabilitation Services helped Navy Officer Steve Peace reclaim his life after a stroke.

Steve: I don't know what it was about the military but it's something I felt I wanted and needed to do. The Navy was awesome. I’ve been to 34 different countries — Singapore, Korea, Russia, Australia — it was awesome. I was born to be in the Navy. I was in it for 16 years and thought that I was going to make it my life.

It was a normal work day and went home about 6 in the evening and watched TV until about 11 o'clock and was walking around the couch to go to bed and — bam! Out of nowhere the stroke hit me. I was still under the impression that I was going on deployment with my Navy ship. I'm in the Navy. I'm still in the Navy. I've gotta stay in the Navy because I loved it.

The captain of the ship came in and said, "As much as we want to, I think we both know that you're not going to be going with us." That was the first time I had accepted it. But to not go back out there with my ship, that was the hardest thing I've ever faced.

Joann Pichurko-Duncan, Speech Therapist: Steven's military training as an officer certainly prepared him for this battle in his life.

Steve: Rehab was like walking into battle except that I couldn't walk and I couldn't use my arms for anything. My biggest goal was to be able to speak.

Joann: His speech was very slow, he had trouble thinking of the words that he wanted.

Steve: I could get a word out but I still couldn't get a whole sentence out. That was one of the most frustrating things that I know of. I would look at you and I'd know what I wanted to say…bllllll!

Joann: That was very frustrating for him but he dealt with it with grace.

Voiceover: Another challenge Steve faced was walking. With his determination and also the latest technology he's made a great recovery.

Joann: Steven never gave up....he just took it in stride, did the best he could and today he is a different person. I have great admiration for his courage, his perservation and his friendship.

Steve: After the stroke all I could think about was cycling and then I started riding. Then I qualified this year to go to the World Cup in Australia.

Miscellaneous Voices: "What do you think Steve?" "Cool." "Go Steven." "Get 'em, Peace."

Announcer: In third place, the winner of the bronze medal is Steven Peace, representing the United States of America!

Steve: It just shows you what you can do. It sets your mind on a goal. Like right now, my goal is 2012 Paralympics and nothing is going to stop me.