Patient participates in our intensive aphasia program

Patient Story

Engineering a Successful Stroke Recovery

Posted By Meg Washburn

Body

Igal Szleifer is a husband, father and professor of biomedical engineering at Northwestern University. On Oct. 13, 2015, he became a stroke survivor. Initially, he was told he would never walk or speak again, a fate neither he nor his family could accept. Since then, Igal has worked hard to regain his abilities. He’s received both inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. In addition, six months following his stroke, he participated in the organization’s month-long Intensive Aphasia Program.

Body

“Coming to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab was the best thing that could have happened to us,” said Ingrid Goobar-Szleifer, Igal’s wife. “They were not looking at you as a victim. You have survived a stroke. We’re going to do something about it.”

Today, Igal is back in his lab at Northwestern. In addition, he was recently inducted into the Academy of Exact Physical and Natural Sciences in Argentina, where he gladly offered an acceptance speech.

Update: 2.5 Years After His Stroke - Igal Gives His First Lecture at ICMAB in Barcelona

Let's get connected.

Request an appointment

About Our Care

Aphasia Therapy Groups & Classes provide an opportunity for individuals who are living with aphasia to practice their communication skills with others in both casual or intensive environments.

For more about Intensive Aphasia Therapy Program and Community Classes

Learn More