When Nancy Bergeron was just 37 years old, she suffered a devastating stroke.
Nancy was left with a condition in which patients are aware of their surroundings but canât speak or move.
Nancyâs mother, Michelle Bergeron, says she was told by doctors that she should let her daughter die.
âThe doctor told me, âYour daughter will never be able to walk,â Michelle says. âI told him, âYou don't know my daughter.ââ
Michelle didnât give up, and neither did her daughter.
Two years ago, Bergeron began intensive rehabilitation using a combination of technology and stimulation at Neuro-Concept in Verdun, Que.
Research shows intensive rehab can help people with locked-in syndrome to regain some function. Bergeron is an example.
âI want to walk,â says the 47-year-old stroke victim.
Bergeronâs therapist, Antoine Deschamps-Laporte, is impressed with her progress.
âShe can stand up for many minutes,â he said. âWith the help from some competent physiotherapists, she can walk now,â he added.
Thatâs opening up new possibilities, including going to restaurants and on vacations, according to Deschamps-Laporte.
Bergeronâs experience is inspiring others at the clinic.
Rana Yousseff was told she would never stand after a car crash that left her with a spinal cord injury. Now, sheâs back on her feet.
âI decided that, with the help of my family, my husband and my daughters, they will see me walk again,â she said.
Despite her challenges, Bergeron is writing a book about her recovery. She plans to one day walk into a bookstore to buy the first copy.
âNever give up,â she says.