Sen. Kirk moved into Rehab Institute
By ABDON M. PALLASCH Political Reporter apallasch@suntimes.com February 10, 2012 5:18PM
Sen. Mark Kirk
Updated: February 13, 2012 5:58PM
Sen. Mark Kirk has been transferred from Northwestern Memorial Hospital to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to begin his physical therapy.
The Highland Park Republican is recovering from a stroke he suffered three weeks ago.
“RIC’s team of experts will spend the next few days assessing Sen. Kirk’s condition and developing a comprehensive, targeted rehabilitation program tailored to achieve the goals that will be established by Sen. Kirk and his family,” said Dr. Richard L. Harvey, Medical Director of RIC’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation.
Kirk’s neurosurgeon at Northwestern had said he expects Kirk to make a full mental recovery, though he may never regain full use of his left limbs and may retain some facial paralysis.
On Tuesday, Kirk’s doctors re-attached an eight-inch-by-four-inch section of the senator’s skull that had been removed while his brain was swelling.
“The senator has several pre-stroke factors in his favor that our research and experience demonstrate will foster a better recovery, including his relative youth, good general health and fitness, strong personal motivation, and high intelligence,” Harvey said.
Even as he recovers from the stroke, Kirk’s staff has noted that his work on various legislative initiatives has been bearing fruit.
On Thursday, the Congress voted 417-2 to approve ethics legislation including a provision Kirk championed to cut off pensions for congressmen who go on to be convicted of felonies such as former Gov. Rod Blagojevich — though the legislation will not affect Blagojevich.
Kirk’s family released this statement Friday:
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible team at Northwestern Memorial for all they have done for Mark. Words will never be good enough to express the love and appreciation we feel. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
“As Mark begins the next phase in his recovery, we want to thank the thousands of people around the state, the nation and the world who have called, written notes, sent flowers and offered their thoughts and prayers. Mark’s drive and spirit are stronger than ever and we know he will give 110% in the days ahead.”
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