Richmonder Chosen to Represent Stroke Victims Nationwide

Sheltering Arms Patient’s Story to be Shared With the World During National Stroke Month

(Richmond, Virginia) — Jamaal Williams doesn’t fit the profile of a typical stroke victim, but now the Richmond resident will represent stroke victims across the country as part of a program from the National Stroke Association.

Jamaal hard at work

Jamaal played football at Virginia Union University. Jamaal was young and vibrant. Yet, when Jamaal was brought to Sheltering Arms, a massive stroke had robbed him of the ability to move the right side of his body or even speak.

He was 30 years old. Through years of hard work, along with help and technology provided by Sheltering Arms, he has regained many of his previous abilities. He is now mobile, independent, and able to communicate.

Not only is Jamaal doing well with his own recovery, he is now working to help others. Coming full circle, he is now himself a volunteer at Sheltering Arms, working to inspire others to overcome their disabilities.

Because of his determination, hard work, and sunny outlook, Jamaal has been named as one of the subjects of the National Stroke Association’s Faces of Stroke campaign. The campaign will be unveiled in May, which is National Stroke Month. Telling a different individual’s story each day during the month, the campaign has a goal of raising awareness of stroke prevention and recovery. The profiles will be available on the organization’s website, Stroke.org, and will be promoted via Facebook and Twitter.

“Jamaal has achieved great things in his recovery, and we’re so proud of him,” said Sheltering Arms President and CEO James Sok. “From the beginning of his rehabilitation, he learned and embraced the Power to Overcome. Jamaal and his family became part of our family.”

Jamaal was featured in the 2009 TV documentary The Power to Overcome, which aired locally. He lives in Richmond and enjoys spending time with his mother, brother, daughter and his devoted Rottweiler.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services.  To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and nine outpatient clinics visit http://www.ShelteringArms.com, call 1-877-56-REHAB, or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

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