Rebuilding After Stroke One Step at a Time

When Kenya Robinson experienced a stroke, it began in a way that many people might not immediately recognize as a medical emergency. While teaching a Jazzercise class, Robinson suddenly lost coordination while holding weights, dropping them without warning. Moments later, she struggled with balance, stumbled while trying to lift her leg, and noticed a frightening disconnect between her brain and body. Despite these warning signs, Robinson initially believed she was simply dehydrated or exhausted and tried to continue teaching.

As her symptoms worsened, members of her class quickly recognized that something was wrong and called 911. Robinson recalls being asked by emergency responders to smile and stick out her tongue (simple stroke screening tests she was unable to complete). Shortly afterward, she lost memory of the event and later awoke in the hospital, surrounded by concerned friends and medical staff urging her to stay awake.

Doctors later confirmed that Robinson had experienced a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. She remembers feeling overwhelmed when physicians explained she might regain approximately 70% of her function with rehabilitation. Determined to recover, Robinson leaned on her faith and immediately focused on rebuilding her abilities step by step.

Her rehabilitation journey became even more complicated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited in-person therapy sessions. Drawing on her background as a longtime dance instructor, Robinson adapted familiar Jazzercise movements into her rehabilitation exercises. She began slowly, working from the floor to rebuild strength and balance while repeating movements thousands of times to retrain her brain and body connection. She credits repetition, patience and creativity as critical components of her recovery. Today, Robinson continues teaching, though she acknowledges that recovery remains an ongoing process.

Beyond physical recovery, Robinson says her stroke profoundly reshaped her outlook on life. Prior to her stroke, she maintained an intense schedule and rarely allowed herself to rest. Now, she emphasizes pacing, recognizing limits and understanding that rest is essential for healing. Post-stroke fatigue and chronic pain have reinforced the importance of balance and self-care.

Robinson is now passionate about stroke awareness and patient support. She emphasizes that stroke recovery can feel isolating, especially for those who struggle to explain their symptoms and challenges to others. By sharing her story, she hopes to encourage prevention, promote early symptom recognition, and remind stroke survivors that recovery is possible with persistence, community and support.