After suffering a stroke in Richmond, I was transferred to the ICU at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. The first few hours were disorienting. My speech was slurred, I had difficulty moving my body, and I was completely overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what had happened. My family was understandably upset, but they couldn't fully communicate with me because of my difficulty understanding, which left me feeling isolated. Kim, who was assigned to my care, immediately impressed me with his calm demeanor and extensive knowledge of stroke recovery. Right from the beginning, he reassured me that the care team was there to help and that we would take it one step at a time. He recognized that stroke recovery is not just about physical healing but also about addressing the emotional and cognitive challenges that come with it. He noticed that my arms were weak, and because of his background in stroke care, he immediately began an assessment to monitor my neurological status, paying close attention to changes in my movement and consciousness. He frequently performed simple checks, such as asking me to move my fingers or say words and identify simple objects, all while explaining the importance of these assessments. "These checks help us understand how your brain is recovering and how we can best support you," he told me with a calm, knowledgeable tone.

When the CT scan results came back, Kim patiently explained what was happening in my brain, how the stroke had affected certain areas, and what the recovery process might look like. I had trouble processing all the information, but Kim didn't rush me. He would come by multiple times a day, explaining everything again and answering my questions. His deep knowledge of stroke recovery was clear. He knew exactly what steps were needed to manage my condition and, just as importantly, what to expect in the days ahead.

But what truly stood out was Kim's emotional support. Recognizing the psychological toll a stroke can take, he went beyond the clinical tasks and took the time to talk with me about how I was feeling. When I expressed frustration about my movement difficulties, Kim calmly acknowledged that it was a normal part of recovery and encouraged me to be patient with myself. "It's okay to feel frustrated. This is a big challenge, but you're doing great. We'll work together, and I'll be here with you every step of the way." He also made sure to involve my family in the process, explaining to them how strokes can affect not just the body, but also a person's cognitive function, which helped them understand what I was going through. Kim even helped my family access support resources, so they could better cope with the situation.

By the time I was discharged home, I was in a much better place physically and emotionally, largely due to Kim's expertise and compassionate care. I was still in the early stages of recovery, but I felt empowered. Kim's approach made me feel that the path forward, though challenging, was not insurmountable. He taught me the importance of daily progress and encouraged me to set small, manageable goals. His knowledge of stroke recovery, combined with his emotional intelligence and commitment to my well-being, made a huge impact on my recovery journey.

Note: This is Kim's 2nd DAISY Award!