Samona Lam’s progress in therapy has been nothing short of miraculous. Her family and her therapists are amazed at what she has accomplished in the past few weeks.

On the day of her wedding anniversary in September 2015, Samona suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke, which is bleeding (hemorrhage) that suddenly interferes with the brain’s function. Her husband, Alan, called 911 when he found her to be unresponsive, and she was rushed to Winchester Medical Center. A few hours later she was airlifted to Fairfax Hospital, where she underwent surgery to stop the bleeding in her brain, place a shunt, and insert a trach and a feeding tube. She stayed in the hospital for 100 days and was in and out of the ICU numerous times.

When Samona was ready for discharge at the end of December, she was transferred to GHRC for rehab. At that time she was sleeping 20 hours a day and was making little progress in therapy. She was sent home two months later to be cared for by her devoted husband. She had several home visits by physical therapists and occupational therapists, but still there was little progress.

On May 3rd at 11:00 p.m. Samona had an uncharacteristic violent bout of vomiting and Alan again called 911. This time Winchester Medical sent her to UVA Medical Center at Alan’s insistence. After a CT scan revealed that the shunt was not working properly, the surgery to replace it was scheduled for the next day. She woke up on May 5th, and regained her ability to speak both English and Chinese. She could write in full sentences and follow single-step directions. Everyone was astonished at what she could now do! On May 13th she had her trach removed.

After receiving approval for additional therapy Samona returned to GHRC for rehab. A swallow test scheduled by our speech therapist, Karen Singletary-Fuller, resulted in approval for Samona to begin eating and drinking again. She is so happy to be able to feed herself again!

Karen commented, “Mrs. Lam has demonstrated vast improvements in swallow performance, speech production, and following directions in speech therapy. She has also demonstrated her writing skills in both Chinese and English languages. I am eager to observe additional skills that Mrs. Lam will master.”

Although still weak, Samona has built up her core strength, can turn her own body, hold onto the rails, move her legs, and has better control of her neck muscles. She is finally able to sit up in a wheelchair and enjoy spending time on the front porch with her family, lavishing her face with the warm breeze.

Occupational therapist, Amy Waibel, said, “Mrs. Lam is a phenomenal patient! She gives her best every day. Her progress has been amazing! We truly enjoy working with her and her family each day.”

Originally from Hong Kong, Samona is no stranger to challenges. She came to the U.S. alone in 1977, at the age of 22, speaking limited English, determined to go to school and make a better life for herself. This courageous young woman supported herself and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University in Boston. She graduated in 1985 with a degree in Finance and Banking.

Her husband, Alan, came to the U.S. in 1975 with his parents. His dad was the Captain of a merchant ship and wanted a better life for his family. Alan met Samona in Boston. He knew her brother and sister for five years, but they had never dated until after her brother asked him to be the best man at his wedding.

The couple married in 1986 and have one son, Derrick, who is now 28. He recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. He has plans to begin working on his PhD before beginning his work on fusion reactors.

Alan has had to set aside his metal recycling business since Samona became ill. Samona had worked with him in the family business as his bookkeeper. Samona’s health and well-being are more important to Alan and Derrick than anything else. He said, “We never give up on her!” And her miraculous improvements are in many ways due to their positive attitude and tireless commitment.

The staff at GHRC is proud of Samona for her determination to get well and go home.