Arthur DiFuria

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your prayers of support and words of hope and encouragement and we thank you for visiting!


As you may have heard, Art suffered a stroke on the afternoon of Friday, August 5, 2016 while carrying some items up the basement steps.  Loretta quickly called for an ambulance.  Art and Loretta's son-in-law, Matt, just happens to work as a Physician Assistant at the receiving hospital.  A helpful neighbor was able to send a message to Matt who met Art and Loretta at Lancaster General Hospital. The medical team administered clot-busting medication to Art and within minutes, they loaded him onto the Life Flight helicopter and with Matt by his side, he was transported to the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon arrival, a CT scan revealed a blood clot in his brain. Art was immediately wheeled across the hall and the 99% of that clot was removed. Because everyone responded so quickly, Art's healing journey commenced! 

As the hours progressed on Friday night, the breathing tube was removed and color returned to his face. He knew we were there, yet he was unable to speak and his mobility was somewhat weak. By Saturday morning, Art could move his limbs on both sides of his body and he was able to recognize his family members  who had gathered to visit and support Loretta. At that point, faithful prayer warriors who know Art and his family had begun praying for him and as each hour passed, our Great Physician's handiwork was evident.  By the end of the day, Art was attempting to sit up in bed... even though he wasn't permitted to do so! He also began to regain his speech (saying his name and answering "Yes" when appropriate). On Sunday night, Art fed himself dinner. On Monday, he was able to sit in the chair in his room and take some walks in the hallway. His cognitive function had increased greatly as well as his speech. On Tuesday, Art was released from the hospital and transported to Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital. while there he is experiencing physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

We are thankful that Art has gained his mobility and the ability to communicate in this short amount of time. God continues to provide wisdom to the doctors, and compassion and patience to the nurses. Thank you for your continued prayers! We will keep you updated as to Art's progress on this site.