Jason Crigler was a young musician on the rise when in an instant his life changed. He had a stroke. Fortunately, he ended up at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and his recovery was amazing.
To the packed crowd watching the 36-year-old musician perform at Toad in Cambridge, it's hard to believe that just about three years ago while on stage, he suffered a stroke.
"I remember getting in the ambulance, and that's the last thing I remember for a year and a half," Crigler said.
When his memory returned, Crigler learned what had happened to him. He couldn't walk, talk or eat, but he said his biggest concern was would he ever play the guitar again?
"I couldn't play at all," Crigler said. "My hands were completely clenched like claws."
Crigler began many months of hard work at Spaulding Rehabilatation Hospital.
"I had to relearn how to walk, relearn how to speak and relearn how to eat," Crigler said.
He also had to relearn how to play the guitar. And, Crigler had to get aquainted with the newest member of his family, his daughter, Ellie. His wife, Monica, was pregnant when he suffered his brain injury.
Crigler continues to work on his recovery and hopes his story is an inspiration to others.
"It is possible to recover and there is hope," Crigler said.
Crigler has a new CD out and speaks to others about stroke and brain injuries.
At the Health and Fitness Expo, you'll have the chance to hear from another young stroke survivor, Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots.
(Copyright 2007 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
