Bill’s Story

Site created on November 20, 2018

On Thursday, November 15, Bill suffered a stroke when he was home alone.  His friend and guardian angel, Terry Schmidt, found him and immediately called 911.  He was taken by ambulance to St. Louise Hospital and then transferred to the stroke center at Regional Medical Center in San Jose where he is currently in the ICU and receiving intensive treatment. The stroke caused a brain bleed on the right side so his left side has suffered the most damage.  He is moving his right side, talking and following commands, and is very aware of his surroundings.  They have begun some physical therapy and speech therapy.  When he is transferred out of ICU he can have some visitors.  I will post updates daily and Bill would love to hear from you all.  

Newest Update

Journal entry by Janet Heller

Hello everyone. It has been a long time since I posted anything since Bill’s physical therapy was on-going and progressing and the day to day changes were slow and steady.  But today was the day he entered the acute rehabilitation center at El Camino Hospital in Los Gatos and is ready to step up his therapy with the goal to prepare to come home.  I watched my wonderful husband, my best friend, as he struggled to overcome so many obstacles and frustrations, as he went to therapy every day with a good attitude, as he worked through the muscle and nerve pain, and as he focused on each task he was challenged with. But we also had some fun because Bill has maintained his sense of humor through it all and loved to joke with his therapists and tell them all about the winery, the vineyard, and a multitude of his life stories.  I swear he was their favorite patient!  So now we are entering a new challenge and Bill says he is up to the task.  I know he is.  We are blessed to have the family and friends who have been so supportive and caring behind us every step of the way.  It means so much!  Onward and upward as Bill likes to say.  We will report progress and news.  Love to you all, Janet.
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