Back to the Beach: Rene’s Story

For the past couple of months, I have had the pleasure of working with Rene in the water. Rene suffered a stroke earlier this year. He is dedicated to his recovery, and his support system of family and friends is admirable. The positivity that he and his wife, Julie, share is one of the things that drives his success. Stroke recovery is not an easy or straightforward path. It requires patience, flexibility, dedication, and creativity.

While working with Rene, we focus on physical strength, control, stability, and mobility. But we also go a little deeper. Being in the water is something extremely meaningful to Rene. From fishing to swimming in the ocean and pool, water has been a source of joy and exercise for him for a long time.

Rene has mastered getting in and out of the pool using the stairs with minimal help. He has grown more confident in himself, notably walking freely in the water. He has even inspired others by swimming again! (Video below!)

Since beginning our work, we have talked about how much Rene loved swimming in the ocean prior to his stroke. Naturally, one of our goals was to get him back to the beach and in the water.

Although a little nervous, yesterday Rene took his first steps back onto the sand and down to the coastline. The power of the water and shore break in South Florida is no joke! But he was able to stand in the wet sand between Julie and me and feel the salt water again. His confidence grew, and we took a longer walk through the soft, warm sand.

This was no doubt a huge physical win, but even bigger was the emotional win. The change in his confidence from when he arrived at the beach to when he left was incredible to see.

Seeing what he is capable of, and realizing how accessible the beach can be, has opened the door to more opportunities and possibilities: beach days with his grandchildren, watching the ocean, and eventually swimming in the salt water again.

The ocean has always been healing for Rene. He has known that for a long time. Now, it feels just a little more meaningful.

A shoutout to Martin County Ocean Rescue for providing access to beach wheelchairs at Hobe Sound, Jensen, and Stuart Beach.

If getting back to the beach is one of your goals, let us know. We will work to make it happen.

Get back to doing the things you love!

~Stay tuned for our first swim in the ocean!!!