Patient Success Stories

After a severe stroke in October 2023, Theodore Mathis’ story is one of strength, community, and perseverance. Supported by his family, faith, and the UC Health team, his journey back to independence showcases how boundless care and personal dedication can change lives.

• When minutes mattered, UC Health’s stroke team moved fast: airlifting Theodore from West Chester Hospital to UC Medical Center and making bold, life-preserving decisions that may not have been offered elsewhere.
• At the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care, nurses, therapists, and aides became like family, motivating Theodore with therapy, laughter, and emotional support.
• With loved ones cheering him on, Theodore took each small win and turned it into a comeback. Now, he’s walking, gardening, and driving again, calling it all a “blessing” powered by prayer and care.

“I couldn’t stand up. I couldn’t talk. But I never gave up,” Theodore says. “Believe in the power of prayer.”

If you or a loved one needs help, UC Health’s teams are ready when it matters most.

• West Chester Hospital: Level III Trauma Center and certified Primary Stroke Center.
• UC Medical Center: Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and the region’s only Level I Adult Trauma Center.
• Daniel Drake Center: Expert rehab care to help you or a loved one regain strength and independence. Call 513-418-2500.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: How Quick Action Saved Theodore’s Life

For over 30 years, Theodore Mathis diligently served his community, working tirelessly for the U.S. Postal Service. Born in Georgia and raised here in Cincinnati, Theodore is a devoted father of seven and deeply rooted in his faith. He raised his family in Blue Ash, Ohio, and enjoys sports, fishing, and caring for his church.

The day before his stroke was like any other, filled with family, football, and faith. He attended church, rooted for the Cincinnati Bengals, and spent quality time with loved ones. The following morning, he was found unresponsive in bed.

“When I had the stroke, everything felt different. Something was wrong,” Theodore recalls.

Every minute matters when it comes to stroke, and this was no different. Recognizing the signs of a stroke, Theodore’s wife of 35 years, Bernice, acted quickly, rushing him to UC Health’s West Chester Hospital. Understanding the urgency and complexity of his condition, the medical team made the critical decision to airlift him to UC Medical Center for advanced stroke treatment.

Advanced Stroke Care at UC Medical Center

At UC Medical Center, Theodore was placed under the care of the renowned UC Health Stroke Team, which included Dr. Aaron Grossman, a leading neuro-interventionalist. Dr. Grossman performed a thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove the blood clot causing the stroke.

“This is an important story because the extent of the stroke already seen in his brain upon arrival was substantial and would have excluded him from endovascular therapy elsewhere. Furthermore, he may have been excluded from surgical decompression had he received care outside of UC Health. But here, Dr. [Jonathan] Forbes gave him a chance and performed a decompressive hemicraniectomy to support an even better outcome.” Dr. Grossman explained.

Thanks to swift and expert intervention, Theodore survived a life-threatening stroke with access to care not available everywhere.

Stroke Recovery Fueled by Family and Faith

What followed was a grueling but inspiring path of stroke recovery, filled with strength, resilience, and overwhelming support from Theodore’s community.

“During Dad’s recovery, my days started early and ended late. My goal was to be there to motivate Dad during therapy. My stepmother, brothers, sisters, stepsisters, Bishop Anthony Stevens, and family all stepped up to support Dad.” Ted, his son, said.

Stroke Rehabilitation at Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care

After 16 days at UC Medical Center, Theodore transitioned to UC Health’s Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care, where he would undergo six months of intensive stroke rehabilitation.

The nurses, doctors, and therapists became more than just caregivers; they became family. Theodore’s time at Drake was extra personal to his son, Ted, who is the Drake Center’s Materials Management Manager. Theodore’s team was truly multidisciplinary, comprised of dozens of compassionate caregivers, but a couple of them were especially impactful.

“Kelly Cape (with inpatient therapy) was inspirational in getting Dad the needed therapy. Dad remembered everything she taught him; she only made him fist bump with his bad hand… Amanda Cullum was Dad’s number one nurse; she saved his life a couple of times.” Ted recalls.

Amanda said, “Mr. Mathis came with a strong family/church support system. Being next to Mr. Mathis and caring for him helped me get to know him as a person. I take pride in the care I give to all my patients, but Mr. Mathis will always have a special place in my heart.”

Holiday Spirit and Healing Through Community

During the holiday season, Theodore’s faith community brought additional light and joy to his recovery.

Ted shared, “The church came over to Drake and put on a Christmas performance. They sang for the rest of the patients, too. So that was a light to many people there at Drake, even the nurses, doctors, and speech therapists.”

This merging of church, family, and care team became a foundation for healing.

Motivation and Humor on the Road to Recovery

Even in difficult moments, Theodore’s humor shone through. One of his favorites, is the Rehab Aide Regina Eason, kept him laughing and focused on his recovery.

Ted shared, “Regina kept Dad motivated and made him laugh; she consistently made sure Dad never gave up… she would ask him what her name is.   Dad told her, ‘I don’t really know, but I think your name starts with an R,’ knowing he knew her name.”

Each day, Theodore pushed forward, determined to regain his independence.

A Triumphant Return Home

By May 2024, after months of rigorous stroke rehabilitation, Theodore returned home. He now uses the therapy techniques he learned at Drake in his daily routine.

Ted said, “I took him to the dentist the other day… All the techniques that he learned at the Drake Center, he still uses to get up, sit down, up, and down steps, also getting in and out of the car.”

The experience transformed not only Theodore’s life but also Ted’s perspective at work:

“I do my job better because of him being there… I’ve had an experience that gave me a newfound respect for nursing, Therapy, and their whole team.”

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Theodore reflects on the challenges he’s overcome—from loss of speech and mobility to complications like seizures and blood clots.

“I couldn't stand up. I couldn't talk,” he says.

But today, Theodore is walking, planning his garden at his new condo, and even working on driving again—having recently earned back his driver’s license, a milestone in his stroke recovery journey.

A Message of Hope

For those navigating similar health crises, Theodore offers this:
“Believe in the power of prayer.”

His journey is a powerful testament to the impact of expert stroke treatment, holistic stroke rehabilitation, and the unwavering support of UC Health, family, and faith.