Free Download of Our Stroke Survival Books

ONE STROKE, TWO SURVIVORS and LESSONS LEARNED were originally published in 2006 and 2007 by the Cleveland Clinic Press. With few copies of our two books now available for purchase, Herb and I have chosen to offer them for free download on this website. There are no catches.

We hope you’ll find value and pass the link to others as well. Many of the lessons we’ve learned in our almost 14 years post-stroke are still pertinent and workable. They’ve helped us to navigate the difficult journey back to the land of the living. And if you feel so inclined, please consider a contribution to the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, Caregifted, or to your local stroke chapter. That’s up to you. Good luck!

Download: ONE STROKE, TWO SURVIVORS Download: LESSONS LEARNED

Praises for the Book

Elizabeth Dreben, Ph.D.
Rehabilitation Psychologist / Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MetroHealth Medical Center, and Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

A very helpful book for both professionals and the general reader....An engrossing account of a difficult journey with a wide range of emotions which describe the long path of stroke recovery. Reading this book one feels as if one is ringside cheering when there is progress and worried when there are setbacks. The "Lessons Learned" section at the end of each chapter provides very valuable and practical suggestions to help stroke families have an easier time managing the complexities of dealing with strokes and their impact. The reader gets a real education about health care systems as well as an insight into day-to-day life with significant disability.

Gerda E. Klingbeil, M.D.
Psychiatrist / Medical College of Wisconsin; a specialist in brain injury rehabilitation, she headed the department’s residency program for 20 years and was acting chairman for five years.

I was moved by your book. You had the courage to bare your soul and honestly describe your difficult journey. I especially liked the "Lessons Learned" at the end of each chapter and that you covered all areas of a person’s life that are affected by stroke, not shying away from sensitive subjects. I think your book will be a valuable resource to other stroke survivors and their families, but especially to health care providers who deal with patients with stroke and other brain injuries. I would highly recommend your book to medical students, residents, nursing students and students of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology.

Michael E. Felver, M.D.
Medical Director of Sub-Acute Services / The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

It is my hope that the medical system will take heed of patients’ experiences like the Kleimans. The management of stroke and its aftermath can evolve into a comprehensive multidisciplinary specialty that economizes on office visits and simplifies the burden of the stroke victim and caregiver. Such an advance will not only improve the quality of life. It will ultimately cost the system less, as stroke victims can more easily return home rather than to the long-term care environment.

Kathleen Michael, Ph.D., RN, CRRN
Program Manager / The Claude D. Pepper Center, Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, University of Maryland

I thought about the many stories that I have heard in my thirty years of nursing. Each one was powerful, unique, triumphant of spirit, yet suffused with a sense of being lost and alone in an unknown and overwhelming world. You captured these feelings so vividly that I felt them resonate in my heart. I know how valuable your book will be, not only to survivors of stroke and their families, but to health care providers who should be ever mindful of the human side of their work: "in the sufferer, see only the human being." Your book will remind people that they are not lost, for it will show the way.

Mary Jo Hoff
Caregiver

Stroke was suddenly thrust upon me. I had no preparation and didn’t know what to do. One Stroke, Two Survivors helped me realize that I am not alone....The valuable lessons encouraged me to carve out more personal time and much needed respite trips.

Greg Smolik
President / Life Quest Medical Inc., a durable home medical equipment provider

With stroke caregivers spending so much money on home healthcare equipment, from ramps and chairlifts to wheelchairs and hospital beds, it’s good to have someone guiding the process with much needed practical advice.

Free Download of Our Stroke Survival Books

Things you will learn from these books

Recognize stroke warnings

Follow stabilizing and rehab

Maneuver through the medical maze

Consider outpatient therapy and rehab psychology

Acknowledge caregiver anger and exhaustion

Identify the costs no one talks about

Restore self-confidence

Watch the video to learn more about Herb Kleiman

STROKE KILLS ALMOST 129,000 PEOPLE A YEAR IN THE U.S.

STROKE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF SERIOUS LONG-TERM DISABILITY.

OF THE 7 MILLION STROKE SURVIVORS LIVING IN THE U.S. TODAY, ⅔ ARE DISABLED.

SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS EXPERIENCING STRAIN HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF MORTALITY.

Praises for the Book

Elizabeth Dreben, Ph.D.
Rehabilitation Psychologist / Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MetroHealth Medical Center, and Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Gerda E. Klingbeil, M.D.
Psychiatrist / Medical College of Wisconsin; a specialist in brain injury rehabilitation, she headed the department’s residency program for 20 years and was acting chairman for five years.

Michael E. Felver, M.D.
Medical Director of Sub-Acute Services / The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Kathleen Michael, Ph.D., RN, CRRN
Program Manager / The Claude D. Pepper Center, Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, University of Maryland

Mary Jo Hoff
Caregiver

Stroke was suddenly thrust upon me. I had no preparation and didn’t know what to do. One Stroke, Two Survivors helped me realize that I am not alone....The valuable lessons encouraged me to carve out more personal time and much needed respite trips.

Greg Smolik
President / Life Quest Medical Inc., a durable home medical equipment provider

With stroke caregivers spending so much money on home healthcare equipment, from ramps and chairlifts to wheelchairs and hospital beds, it’s good to have someone guiding the process with much needed practical advice.

About the Author

Free Download of Our Stroke Survival Books

Things you will learn from these books

Recognize stroke warnings

Follow stabilizing and rehab

Maneuver through the medical maze

Consider outpatient therapy and rehab psychology

Acknowledge caregiver anger and exhaustion

Identify the costs no one talks about

Restore self-confidence

80% OF STROKES ARE PREVENTABLE

Watch the video to learn more about Herb Kleiman

STROKE KILLS ALMOST 129,000 PEOPLE A YEAR IN THE U.S.

STROKE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF SERIOUS LONG-TERM DISABILITY.

OF THE 7 MILLION STROKE SURVIVORS LIVING IN THE U.S. TODAY, ⅔ ARE DISABLED.

SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS EXPERIENCING STRAIN HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF MORTALITY.

Praises for the Book

Elizabeth Dreben, Ph.D. Rehabilitation Psychologist / Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MetroHealth Medical Center, and Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Gerda E. Klingbeil, M.D. Psychiatrist / Medical College of Wisconsin; a specialist in brain injury rehabilitation, she headed the department’s residency program for 20 years and was acting chairman for five years.

Michael E. Felver, M.D. Medical Director of Sub-Acute Services / The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Kathleen Michael, Ph.D., RN, CRRN Program Manager / The Claude D. Pepper Center, Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, University of Maryland

Mary Jo Hoff Caregiver

Stroke was suddenly thrust upon me. I had no preparation and didn’t know what to do. One Stroke, Two Survivors helped me realize that I am not alone....The valuable lessons encouraged me to carve out more personal time and much needed respite trips.

Greg Smolik President / Life Quest Medical Inc., a durable home medical equipment provider

With stroke caregivers spending so much money on home healthcare equipment, from ramps and chairlifts to wheelchairs and hospital beds, it’s good to have someone guiding the process with much needed practical advice.

About the Author

Elizabeth Dreben, Ph.D.
Rehabilitation Psychologist / Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MetroHealth Medical Center, and Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Gerda E. Klingbeil, M.D.
Psychiatrist / Medical College of Wisconsin; a specialist in brain injury rehabilitation, she headed the department’s residency program for 20 years and was acting chairman for five years.

Michael E. Felver, M.D.
Medical Director of Sub-Acute Services / The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Kathleen Michael, Ph.D., RN, CRRN
Program Manager / The Claude D. Pepper Center, Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, University of Maryland

Mary Jo Hoff
Caregiver

Greg Smolik
President / Life Quest Medical Inc., a durable home medical equipment provider