Life often throws people curveballs, testing faith, courage, and perseverance.  Lana Wilhelm knew she'd have challenges as a nurse but as a spouse, her role changed in an instant.   In 2021, her husband, the light of her life, suffered a severe stroke, and nobody knew what the long-term outcome would be.  As an RN, Wilhelm understood the workings of the medical field and could decipher the terminology that accompanied all the information that she was bombarded with on a daily basis.  But sitting bedside as a caregiver for the man she loved changed everything for the Wilhelm couple.

Watching her husband struggle as she navigated through this journey proved that there were no resources available to ease them both through these uncertain times. Wilhelm decided to help those who find themselves in this unknown caregiver role by taking to the keyboard to process and write the information she and so many others need.   Creating Stroke and the Spouse not only allowed Wilhelm an outlet for herself, but gave her a new insight into what was missing in the way of support for caregivers.  Stroke and the Spouse paved the way for others to find solace in the lonely world of caregiving.

Use this roadmap that Wilhelm created with her husband as she navigated the uncertain waters of caring for a stroke victim, while managing a household, reconnecting with her strong faith, and finding hope in her darkest times.  Complete with a chapter from her husband's personal perspective, Stroke and the Spouse takes the reader on an overarching journey of compassion and connection in caregiving.  With marriage being a promise of "in sickness and health," this guide shines a light on the fear and also offers hope with action items, resources, and step-by-step tools.