Every year, an estimated 700,000 Americans have a stroke, leaving 15 to 30% of them with some degree of permanent disability.

Stroke survivor Robert Pilewski says  "the satisfaction you get from playing golf after having a stroke is huge."  Almost 20 years ago Robert was a successful physician and then -- at the age of 49 -- he had a stroke.  "And it was emotionally devastating because I thought life was functionally over.  It wasn't over, it was interrupted."

It was Robert's positive attitude about not being defeated and his healthy attitude toward rehabilitation that made all the difference in him being healthy today.  Cardiologist Vladimir Ilic says, "treatment is very important.  Try staying well-being, your blood pressure to be controlled, your cholesterol to be in control."

Robert explains "eight months after I had the stroke I was back to full time medical practice.  I gradually worked back to seeing a dozen to 15 patients a day."

And now that Robert's retired, you'll likely find him out on the golf course.  His stroke affected the use of one of his arms, but don't try to tell him that's a handicap.  "The game can be played just as readily with one arm as with two and by taking the 2nd arm off the club, you've eliminated almost 50% of the mistakes that you were making before."

It's an attitude like that and his winning spirit that Robert brings with him to weekly stroke club meetings as he continues to improve his abilities.  He likes to see other stroke survivors working hard on their recovery as well.

More than 5-million Americans are living with the effects of a stroke.  If you are a stroke survivor and would like more information on a local stroke club you can call 239-277-2958.