How motivated would you be to get back to work after experiencing a stroke? Maybe it would depend on whether you had your dream job. College sports commentator Lee Corso faced this very challenge.
Lee, known for his larger-than-life personality and for predicting winning teams by wearing the team’s mascot head, loved his job, and it was evident to all his viewers.
Every job requires you to be able to complete specific tasks. For a sports commentator, these include being able to talk, being knowledgeable about football plays, and being able to think fast and improvise while on television. Lee was a master of these skills and was killing it on the ESPN sports program, College Game Day until he had a stroke at age 73 in May of 2009.
For people who don’t know, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. A stroke can affect different people in different ways. Lee’s stroke left him unable to do the one thing he loved most in his profession – being able to talk.
Many of you may know that I have a speech impairment. It’s one of the effects of my cerebral palsy. Although my speech is unique, I’m still able to talk well enough to perform my job duties. I’ve even given a TedTalk. To say I’m grateful for the voice that I have is an understatement. My voice also allows me to do what I love, while advocating for myself and others.
When there’s something you love doing, nothing can stop you! I’m a firm believer that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Although he had speech difficulties, Lee returned to work just one week after having had the stroke. Three months later, through sheer determination and rehabilitation, Lee returned to his on-air position as sports commentator, talking again and donning his predicted winning team’s mascot head to the delight of his viewers.
Lee recently announced he’ll be retiring this year at age 91. Although he’ll be missed, he’ll also be known as one of the greatest college football commentators of all time.
October 29th is World Stroke Day. As we acknowledge the day, let’s try to support the ones who have had a stroke and be cognitive of our own health to take preventive measures. Check out this link for a list of ways to prevent a stroke: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention/index.html