{"id":809,"date":"2026-01-09T15:11:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T20:11:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dona.co\/?post_type=historia&p=809"},"modified":"2026-06-18T15:16:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T20:16:22","slug":"carolina","status":"publish","type":"historia","link":"https:\/\/dona.co\/en\/blog\/carolina\/","title":{"rendered":"Carolina"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A new hope for life after a Stroke<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year. Of these, around 35% are left with some type of permanent disability. In Colombia, this disease has become one of the leading causes of death and disability, and according to the Ministry of Health, women are the most affected. Among these figures is the story of Carolina Mosquera, a mother from Antioquia who, at 31 years old, saw her life take an unexpected turn, and also discovered in her recovery and medical support an opportunity to be reborn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the framework of World Stroke Day, Hospital San Vicente Fundaci\u00f3n Medell\u00edn calls for awareness regarding the importance of recognizing warning signs and promptly going to a high-complexity health center. A drooping face, sudden weakness in an arm or leg, difficulty speaking, loss of vision, or impaired balance are signs that require immediate attention. Every minute counts, and acting in time can make the difference between life and permanent disability. Through its specialized physical and neurological rehabilitation program, the Hospital has consolidated an interdisciplinary care model that combines medical excellence with humane and family support, focused on restoring patients’ autonomy, functionality, and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That commitment is reflected in the story of Carolina Mosquera, who suffered a stroke in May of this year, just a few days after celebrating her 31st birthday. Since then, she has faced a demanding process of physical and emotional recovery at the hands of the team of specialists at Hospital San Vicente Fundaci\u00f3n Medell\u00edn and with the unconditional support of her mother, Mar\u00eda Elisa Moreno, and her entire family, who have become her greatest strength. Her experience highlights the impact of early care, interdisciplinary work, and family love on the recovery of stroke survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy life completely changed after the stroke. I went from being an active and independent person to not being able to move or speak. At first, I had to be fed through a tube and communicate using an alphabet board my sisters made for me, because it wasn’t easy to communicate with the tracheostomy. Little by little, thanks to the therapies and the support of the medical team at Hospital San Vicente Fundaci\u00f3n Medell\u00edn, I was able to eat again, pronounce my first sentences, and regain strength in my body. I also received psychological and psychiatric support, which helped me accept my new reality and keep fighting. It has been a very complex process, but with rehabilitation, faith, and the love of my family, I feel like I can move forward again,\u201d<\/em> added Carolina Mosquera, a patient undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With more than five decades of experience in comprehensive rehabilitation, Hospital San Vicente Fundaci\u00f3n Medell\u00edn has consolidated itself as a national benchmark in the treatment of patients who have experienced a stroke. Its approach as a rehabilitative hospital seeks much more than physical recovery; it aims for each patient to fully reintegrate into their family, social, and work environments, regaining their independence and sense of purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To achieve this, the institution features an interdisciplinary team comprised of physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists, who accompany patients through every stage of the process, from the inpatient phase to outpatient follow-up. Throughout this journey, family members are essential allies and receive constant guidance to continue therapies at home. Additionally, the Hospital has a home simulator\u2014a space that recreates a real house so that patients can train in everyday activities and regain the autonomy necessary for their daily lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is critical and essential to start the rehabilitation process early after suffering a stroke. The rehabilitation process must begin very shortly after the event, even while the patient is still hospitalized. It is a critical moment because starting early reduces complications, improves functionality, and restores the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Scientific evidence shows that the sooner we begin to mobilize the patient and work on swallowing, speech, and basic functions, the better their recovery outcomes will be. That is why our team intervenes within the first 72 hours, with a personalized plan that involves the patient, their family, and the medical team. Rehabilitation does not only treat the body; it also rebuilds confidence, motivation, and the connection to one’s surroundings, which are essential to living again with dignity and autonomy,\u201d<\/em> added Dr. Janeth Rosero V\u00e9lez, physiatrist at Hospital San Vicente Fundaci\u00f3n Medell\u00edn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the passing of the months, Carolina has shown significant progress in her rehabilitation process. Today, she actively participates in her therapies, which are focused on strengthening her mobility and regaining communication skills. Although she still requires the constant support of her family and the medical team, her progress demonstrates the value of perseverance and teamwork between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Her story serves as a reminder that rehabilitating after a stroke takes time and requires a daily battle, where every small breakthrough represents a step toward a better quality of life and the recovery of autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cases like Carolina’s reflect the purpose of Hospital San Vicente Fundaci\u00f3n Medell\u00edn to provide comprehensive care that does not end with patient stabilization. Once the acute phase of the stroke is overcome, a decisive stage begins in which neurological rehabilitation and interdisciplinary support are essential to regain functionality and improve quality of life. In this process, the participation of neurology specialists is fundamental\u2014not only to treat the aftermath, but also to educate patients and their families about prevention, controlling risk factors, and the importance of acting swiftly at the first signs of symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA stroke can occur in a matter of minutes, and those first moments are decisive for the patient’s prognosis. Acting quickly saves neurons and, in many cases, determines how functional the person will be after the event. That is why we emphasize early detection and the immediate start of rehabilitation, which allows for the recovery of capabilities, reduces long-term effects, and improves quality of life. Interdisciplinary care, combined with the commitment of the patient and their family, is what truly makes a difference in recovery,\u201d<\/em> stated Dr. Katherine Mantilla Barbosa, leading neurologist of the rehabilitation program at Hospital San Vicente Fundaci\u00f3n Medell\u00edn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carolina’s story is a lesson in strength and hope. Although her life changed suddenly, she has learned to face each day with determination and gratitude. Her process demonstrates that, in the midst of limitations, there is always room to move forward, adapt, and find new forms of independence. Carolina conveys an inspiring message to those going through a similar situation: recovery after a stroke takes time, requiring patience and perseverance, but with love, support, and faith in the process, there is always a chance to start anew.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A new hope for life after a Stroke According to the World Health Organization, nearly 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year. Of these, around 35% are left with some type of permanent disability. In Colombia, this disease has become one of the leading causes of death and disability, and according to the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":811,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true},"categoria-historia":[63],"class_list":["post-809","historia","type-historia","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","categoria-historia-history"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dona.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/historia\/809","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dona.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/historia"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dona.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/historia"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dona.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dona.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=809"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"categoria-historia","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dona.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categoria-historia?post=809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}