Former Patient Celebrates Retirement 9 years After Stroke   

Donna Oakey began her career with Antelope Valley Medical Center in 1986, starting as a billing clerk then working her way up to a management level role. On the morning of January 20, 2015, Donna was getting up to go to work when something felt a little different. Donna experienced a brain aneurysm and her friend immediately called 911. Donna suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and spent the next month at UCLA hospital under a medically induced coma.  

Donna transitioned to acute rehabilitative care at a different facility until she was admitted to the Centre for Neuro Skills’ residential inpatient program in Bakersfield, CA in May 2015. When Donna first began post-acute rehabilitation at CNS, her reading levels were at the level of a second grader, she was confined to a wheelchair, and her memory was limited.  

Donna has little memory of her beginning phases at CNS, but after a fresh shunt was placed to relieve the fluids and pressure in her brain, Donna’s progress was remarkable.  

“One thing that struck me was how joyful the CNS staff and environment was. I was always excited to get up and go to the clinic,” she said.  

She enjoyed the 1-to-1 patient-to-clinic aide ratio in each therapy session as well as the group activities she could participate in at the residential setting, including movies or karaoke nights. At CNS, patients receive daily therapy in clinical settings while residing in residential facilities where they receive care 24 hours a day, rebuilding their natural rhythm of living.  

“It was a very educational experience for me. I learned a lot about neuroplasticity of the brain and its pathways,” Donna recalled.  

After seven months of inpatient care, Donna transitioned to CNS’ Day Treatment program in January 2016 and continued receiving therapy three days a week. Donna regained her ability to walk, greatly improved her reading levels, and returned to her daily routine. She also relearned how to drive again and began community volunteer work in her hometown of Lancaster, CA.  

One year later, Donna successfully returned to work at Antelope Valley as an Admitting Representative. In March 2024, Donna retired after 38 years of serving her community. She is excited to return to community volunteering and participating at her local church. 

“I am very blessed to walk away with no physical or cognitive deficits or impairments,” said Donna.