Philip Rastocny

Althea: a Story of Love Philip Rastocny

An amazing journey from a debilitating stroke to full recovery becomes an inspiring exploration of the power of true love. On February 20, 2008, Althea wearily rose to greet the day with an aching jaw aching from recent dental work that robbed her from a restful night's sleep. Excited about this afternoon's final fitting, she scurried about the bathroom in her usual morning ritual. Momentarily losing her balance, she struck her head against the bathroom door as she tumbled to the floor. Suddenly, a blood vessel exploded in the left side of her brain. As the effects of the stroke drained her of consciousness, she barely had time to lie down on a couch before becoming completely paralyzed. Alone and unable to move, her husband Philip returned home to discover her snoring loudly on the couch. Believing her to be exhausted from the dental work, he allowed her to get some much needed rest. Hours later, he realized that something was seriously wrong. Through a host of frustrating delays, Althea entered surgery at eight o'clock the next morning, almost 24 hours later. Althea survived this typically fatal experience with the power of intent, positive focus, and spirituality. But survival wasn't her final goal: complete recovery was. Told through the eyes of a supporter, Philip shares a fascinating approach to Althea's recovery. What normally takes six to ten years of intense therapy and relentless work, Althea and Philip achieved in less than two. Philip is convinced that Althea's stroke was the best thing that could have happened to their relationship. It has taught them that the power of intent and personal conviction can prevail in cases where all hope seems to be dashed on the craggy rocks of reality. Using a combination of visual, emotional, and spiritual goals, Althea: A Story of Love is both a valuable recovery guide for anyone touched by a brain injury-be it a supporter or a victim-and an emotionally stirring testimony to the undeniable power of true love.