Deb’s Stroke Timeline
Reliving my stroke timeline was difficult and reminds me of how I needed to push myself to keep improving. It can be a tough journey — you can do it!
Survived a PONS Ischemic Stroke
I experienced my first stroke and spent 37 days in the hospital with no use of my right-side. Wow, what a life changer and this was only the beginning.
Consistently Low Blood Pressure
My blood pressure was constantly very low 40/62, making therapy challenging as I was always on the verge of passing out.
A Second Stroke
I survived my second stroke, a TIA and spent 8 days in the hospital filled with endless tests. Yes, they literally took 19 vials of blood in ER when I arrived. The tests continued, but the root cause of the second stroke was never determined.
Thankful for Life
It was great to spend the Holidays with Bob and our wire hair fox terriers in a calm environment.
Heat Lamp Acupuncture Therapy
I explored acupuncture for my stroke rehab with needles in my hands and feet to help the healing process.
Physical and Occupational Therapies
Outpatient therapy at Good Samaritan Hospital was critical for improved mobility and the therapists helped me stay motivated. They are a gift from God.
First Dinner
Getting dressed and ready was exhausting and thankfully Bob helped with my hair, false eyelashes and shoes… he was a champion!
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
The HBOT therapy was relaxing and I believe the oxygen treatment helped me immensely. It became part of my weekly regimen with three sessions a week.
A Wonderful Caregiver
We hired a caregiver to help Bob and I with everything around the house; scheduling therapies, doctor appointments, she helps me with home exercises and drives me everywhere. She is amazing!
Acupressure Therapy
Remaining limber was important, and I really wasn’t good at stretching, so I reached out for some acupressure massage and therapy which kept me flexible.
Short Outdoor Walks
Mentally, I needed to feel like I was getting back into the real world, and while sidewalks and curbs were tricky to navigate, Bob and my caregiver kept me safe.
Beach Therapy
This was fun but hard, as I needed to navigate hotel steps, restaurants, crowds and a lot of mental stimulation. I did it, but it was exhausting.
A New Set of Challenges
Bob had a business trip to London, and I was determined to go with him. Our caregiver came with us, and I took my wheelchair and walker. My therapists helped me practice exercises to prepare me for getting out of cabs, getting on escalators, and a lot of real-world travel tips that made it possible.
Holidays by the Sea
The town of Carmel is magical, so this was a special Holiday with just Bob and I and our two fox terriers. I focused on enjoying life and not thinking about therapies or strokes.
Introduced Aquatic Therapy
The buoyant water was a real benefit, as I was able to get my legs and arms moving against the water resistance — it built my confidence.
Golf Therapy
This was an attempt to connect my brain to a new exercise that took skill and focus. I surprised myself and I think my golf coach as well.
Physical and Occupational Therapies
The pace of therapies, stretches and exercises increased — as well as my home program.
Keynote Speaker
As the keynote speaker for the Golf4Life Stroke Event, I was honored and inspired to help others. This was the event I introduced my 3 P’s of Stroke Rehabilitation—Reimaged, and it was a big hit.
View BookletHolidays at Home
A fun Christmas at our home with my 92-year-old father-in-law, Dale, Bob’s brother Jeff and his wife Taylor. We played games, had good food, and celebrated family time together.
Improving with Therapies
This year was just hard therapy work averaging four hours every day. It included a combination of all the areas covered earlier.
Not a Third Stroke, Please No!
The picture tells it all. I had my third stroke and this one was in the retina of my eye. I blacked out, fell and hit my head resulting in a concussion and ended up in the hospital for eight days. Thankfully, it appears no long term affects, hopefully.
Began Balance Classes
I was discharged from out-patient therapies, signed up for balance classes three times a week, and continued with home sessions.
Real World Therapy
Our first ever cruise, and Bob and I needed a vacation. This was a great trip, and each day provided a new type of real-world therapy. The vacation included cobblestone streets, stepping onto moving canal boats and lengthy museum walks as we traveled to the Baltic Sea with port visits every few days and three wonderful days of exploring St. Petersburg, Russia.
Driving a Golf Cart
Driving a car is my next big goal, and my practice is driving Bob in a golf cart.
Christmas at Home
Relaxing and enjoying the Christmas Holiday and New Year at home was just what the doctor ordered.
Virtual Reality Therapy
When I put on the headset, I disappear into a world that is all my own, and my brain really doesn’t know the difference between the real world and the virtual world.
Outdoor Balance Classes
Keeping balanced is the most important part of therapy for me.
Telehealth Therapy
I miss seeing my therapists face-to-face. COVID has pushed us all to a new level, some good and some bad.
Creating a Non-Profit Organization
My mission is to provide stroke survivors, family and friends with inspiration, technology reviews and insights they will find useful. I looked everywhere and could not find what I am creating with my husband, Bob.
Wrote Nine Booklets
The booklets are complimentary and are filled with tips and ideas. Many have found them helpful during recovery and for each day of their life. We provide them to stroke survivors as they leave the hospital. Check out the booklets here
Working from Home
The COVID-19 mandate to “shelter in place” created the opportunity for me to spend time exploring my favorite hobby, watching hummingbirds at our feeders.
Official Website Launch
Our website championthechallenges.org was officially launched and we are focused on helping Stroke Survivors find that inner hero to Champion the Challenges of living a fulling life.
Making Local News
We were featured in the San Jose Mercury News and Los Gatos Weekly Times as a Foundation with a clear purpose of helping others and great interest in Deb’s VR Therapy
Good Samaritan Educational Session
Deb was invited to provide a one hour educational session for the Mission Oaks Stroke Center therapists on Champion the Challenges, all the online booklets, and tools available for their stroke patients—a huge success!
Stroke Awareness Event
Champion the Challenges is hosted for a stroke awareness event at local retailer J. McLaughlin, Los Gatos, CA.
Golf 4 Life
World Stroke Day, Oct 29th
Finger Paddle Stretching
Helping the tone in my stroke affected hand.
J. McLaughlin Retail Support
Another successful fundraising event in Palo Alto.
Interviewed by Elizabeth Cook, CBS KPIX 5
Elizabeth Cook interviewed Deb to help inform and educate her followers on the impact of stroke. Highlighting the breakthrough innovations and technology that is available to stroke survivors so they can champion their rehabilitation. Watch the full Instagram Live interview
Tony Robbins Tells Deb’s Story in Life Force
Tom Robbins features Deb’s stroke story in his #1 Best Seller “Life Force” sharing the positive impact Healthcare VR had on her rehabilitation journey. Read the press release.
Keynote Speaker at the 22nd Annual PSA Stroke Event
Deb was the morning stroke survivor keynote speaking to 250 nurses, doctors and caregivers, at the Microsoft Center. May was stroke awareness month.
A fun Sip & Shop
J.McLaughlin, Los Gatos, as they support Champion the Challenges
First Anniversary
Champion the Challenges marks year of successful growth on first anniversary.
In the News
Bay area’s Fox 2 KTVU Andre Senior interviews Deb and Bob Shaw regarding the Champion The Challenges foundation and the annual event GOLF 4 LIFE at Los Lagos in San Jose.
Golf 4 Life 2022
Annual Golf 4 Life Event Helps Stroke Survivors Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Balance.
Oct 29th World Stroke Day
Deb Shaw was sponsored by J McLaughlin in Carmel, Palo Alto and Los Gatos as she educated the local communities on B.E.F.A.S.T —A BIG Success.
IPPY Awards
Champion the Challenges, was awarded the 2023 Gold Medal for Website Publishing and a Silver Medal for a Nonfiction Book Series by the IPPY Awards, the country’s leading awards program for the recognition of independent publishers.
Launched the Stroke Tree of Life Bracelet
Read the inspiring Stroke Tree of Life Story.
Hosted a Valentine’s Day In-Person Stroke Luncheon
Learn more about this and other social gatherings.
Fox 2 KTVU’s Heather Homes is joined by Deb Shaw
Watch Deb and Bob outline the early warning signs of a stroke for Stroke Awareness Month.
Dried Floral Stationary Workshop
GOLF 4 LIFE 2024
September GOLF 4 LIFE 2024, Annual Gathering with 300+ this year the largest ever! Event Details
Valentine’s Lunch 2025
An in-person social gathering, decorating Valentine sugar cookies and sharing stories Event Details
”“Whatever the mind can conceive
Napoleon Hill
and believe, it can achieve.”