Jaqavius Rogers

The Sound of Moving Forward

Every year in May, Stroke Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness about stroke symptoms, prevention and treatment. As the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, recognizing the warning signs of a stroke can make a life-saving difference.

From imbalance to cognitive impairment, strokes often leave life-altering effects. Therapy, a profession that often works behind the scenes, is crucial to helping people relearn how to live their lives with independence, purpose and dignity after this traumatic brain injury.

Following a life altering stroke, 29-year-old Jaquavius Rogers discovered the power of occupational therapy through his work with Broward Health Medical Center Occupational Therapist, Crystal Moss, MS, OTR/L. Her compassion and clinical expertise helped transform his journey from total dependence to renewed independence.

When Jaquavius arrived at Broward Health Medical Center in July 2024, his vitals were alarming. He was suffering from nausea, shortness of breath and abdominal pain. His blood pressure was dangerously high and soon after admission, he became confused, lost movement on the left side of his body and could no longer speak. A stroke alert was initiated.

The neurology team confirmed Jaquavius was experiencing a major right sided stroke. Broward Health Physician Group neurointerventional specialist Celso Agner, M.D., performed an emergency thrombectomy to restore blood flow to his brain, which saved his life.

The stroke, however, caused complete paralysis on his left side and he was unable to communicate. Jaquavius required a Hoyer lift for mobility and spent months hospitalized while also managing significant pre existing heart disease, hypertension and kidney disease.

When Jaquavius was discharged home two months later, he left Broward Health Medical Center in a wheelchair without voluntary movement in his left arm.

From Stroke to Strength

Strokes can result in brain damage and long-term disability, which is where occupational therapy became a critical part of Jaquavius’ recovery.

After completing physical therapy, Jaquavius began outpatient occupational therapy at Broward Health with Moss, who has more than 13 years of experience and works across inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings.

When Moss first evaluated Jaquavius, he had overactive muscle tone, no functional use of his left arm and little confidence in what the future might hold.

“He started with nothing,” Moss said. “No movement at all in that arm.”

Rather than focusing solely on exercises, Moss built therapy around real-life scenarios, which is the foundation of occupational therapy. Together, they practiced everyday tasks many people take for granted, including pouring water, vacuuming, simulating putting on deodorant, strengthening exercises at the gym and relearning fine motor skills needed for eating, grooming and self care.

“Occupational therapy is about helping patients participate in the things that give their life meaning,” Moss said. “It’s not just physical recovery. It’s treating the whole person and helping them return to their roles and routines.”

Jaquavius embraced the process fully. He attended therapy twice a week for nearly a year, followed every home exercise recommendation, purchased adaptive equipment and practiced relentlessly. He even sent Moss videos of himself at home, one where he was successfully pouring a water bottle with his once motionless left hand.

Slowly, Jaquavius made progress, regaining movement in his left shoulder and elbow. His muscle tightness decreased, allowing him to make smoother, more controlled motions. He progressed from being wheelchair-bound to walking independently without assistive devices. Today, he drives, manages most daily activities on his own and is considering returning to work or continuing his education.

Moss estimates he has regained 75% to 80% of his function, which is a remarkable recovery after such a severe stroke. Just as importantly, his confidence returned.

“Jaquavius was very quiet and low in the beginning,” Moss said. “But as he started moving more and walking again, his confidence grew and so did his mood.”

By the time Jaquavius was discharged from therapy, he had become a favorite among therapists and nurses who all signed a goodbye card wishing him well.

Restoring the Rhythm of Everyday Life

Jaquavius’s recovery reflects the impact of occupational therapy at Broward Health, where services are provided across all hospitals in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Therapists work with patients of all ages in inpatient and outpatient settings and provide specialized care in settings such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and outpatient hand therapy.

These services are backed by nationally recognized standards. Broward Health’s rehabilitation programs are certified by The Joint Commission and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), reflecting a strong commitment to quality, accountability and patient-centered care.

Moss works across inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, the NICU and adult neurological rehabilitation, treating patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries and other complex conditions.

For her, Jaquavius’s story reflects the comprehensive nature of stroke care and why she chose this profession.

“With occupational therapy, we focus on what people often take for granted, such as getting dressed, brushing your teeth or preparing a meal,” Moss said. “Those everyday activities restore dignity, confidence and independence and help people move forward with their lives.”

Broward Health rehabilitation therapists support individuals at every stage of recovery and throughout their lives, with a shared goal of helping patients return to the everyday activities that matter most to them.

To learn more about Broward Health’s comprehensive stroke care, visit BrowardHealth.org/Stroke.

To learn more about Broward Health’s rehab services, visit BrowardHealth.org/Rehab.