Swimmer Dives Back in After Stroke 

An avid swimmer, Andrew Chi regularly swam 2 miles in the ocean in Santa Monica, California. During a typical swim on a hot summer day in July 2023, Andrew suddenly lost feeling in his left arm. He suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. After being saved in the ocean by his friends, Andrew was rushed to the hospital for an emergency craniotomy and remained in the ICU for ten days. 

After a few months of acute rehabilitation and home therapy, Andrew came to the Centre for Neuro Skills’ Los Angeles clinic. 

 “We wanted to find the most intensive program,” said Andrew’s husband, Michael. “We were drawn to the group therapy setting and structure CNS offered.” 

Andrew arrived at CNS in a wheelchair and had limited mobility on the entire left side of his body. Today, he walks independently with a quad cane. His physical therapist, Ron Canonigo, used various rehabilitation methods and equipment, including the ZeroG Gait and Balance System, to help Andrew regain his strength, balance, speed and stamina. The ZeroG secures patients in a body harness attached to a motorized trolley that rides along a ceiling-mounted track, allowing patients to practice walking safely. 

Eager to get back into the water, Andrew joined an adaptive surfing clinic in Santa Monica called Life Rolls On. The non-profit organization encourages individuals with disabilities to regain their independence through adaptive sports. 

“It’s been a 360-turnaround witnessing Andrew surf the same waters where he had his injury,” said Ron. 

As Andrew reaches the one-year anniversary of his stroke, he continues to make incredible strides in his recovery. Through cognitive rehabilitation therapy, Andrew’s processing speed and multitasking abilities have greatly improved. He is gradually returning to work as the Assistant Director of the Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship at Loyola Marymount University. 

Andrew and Michael credit their positivity and inspiration to other patients they have met throughout their journey. The group therapy design of CNS allows patients to support and learn from one another.  

“Every day, we have lunch with patients and families we’ve met at CNS who we hope to stay in touch with forever,” said Andrew.  

Andrew still has a long road of recovery ahead, but the couple is excited to begin traveling again with their 14-year-old daughter and to continue building connections with a new community of surfers and swimmers.