At 80 years old, Joan Thorn is vibrant, energetic, and even volunteers as a docent at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. She recently returned from a cruise to Spain - a birthday gift from a friend. To hear about her life and adventures, you wouldn’t imagine that two years ago, Joan faced a terrifying moment that could have changed everything. Her story is one of rapid response, medical intervention, and a truly miraculous recovery, all thanks to a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and her quick-thinking husband.
Recognizing the Signs of Stroke: A Husband's Quick Action in Colorado Springs
During a summer day in June of 2024, Joan and her husband were sitting on the couch together, catching up and relaxing. All of a sudden, her husband looked at her and said, “You’re having a stroke.”
Thankfully, he recognized the signs – slurred speech and a drooping face. He called 911. Within minutes, the fire department and EMTs arrived. By then, Joan had walked up steps to her living room and sat on the couch. She couldn’t speak.
When the paramedics found Joan, they asked her what her name was. She said she could see her name in her mind, typed out with buttons from a typewriter, but she couldn’t say a word or letter out loud. The medical team agreed that Joan was experiencing a stroke and with every second counting, transported her to CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital for her very first ambulance ride.
Acute Stroke Care at CommonSpirit St. Francis Hospital
She was rushed into a room where a team of providers were waiting for her. Dr. Joshua VanDerWerf, Medical Director of Neurocritical Care, evaluated Joan and confirmed that Joan was experiencing a stroke. He administered IV thrombolytics, also known as "clot busters," a medication used to quickly dissolve life-threatening blood clots.
Even with the shot, speaking remained a challenge, but a glimmer of hope appeared: Joan could write her name.
Flight for Life: Expediting Advanced Stroke Intervention at Penrose Hospital
Upon further testing, advanced neurological care was needed and the medical team at St. Francis coordinated a transfer to CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital on Flight for Life. The flight added a surreal touch to an already harrowing experience.
Joan fondly remembers the pilot and was deeply touched by the sympathetic and protective medical personnel who kept the atmosphere calm and reassuring. She said they treated the extraordinary situation as if it were routine.
Thrombectomy for Stroke: A 'Fireworks' Moment at Penrose
At Penrose Hospital, Joan was met again by a medical team that was prepared and aware of her diagnosis. A screen displayed an ominous black area, signifying a loss of function in her brain.
Dr. Jonathan Greco, Neurology Surgeon, performed a swift thrombectomy. Joan remembers nothing of the procedure itself. But the moment the blood clot was plucked out, something extraordinary happened.
Joan described the sensation as seeing "fireworks in my head," a phenomenon she later learned was the rush of blood returning to the previously blocked parts of her brain.
Instant Stroke Recovery: The Power of Timely Intervention
The recovery was instant. Immediately after, the doctor asked Joan her name. Clear as a bell, she responded, "Joan Thorn." Her voice and face had returned to normal. The doctor and staff were amazed, declaring her recovery nothing short of a "miracle."
There was also no permanent damage, a truly remarkable outcome that Joan attributes to her husband's immediate action and the efficiency of the compassionate medical team. She stressed the critical four-hour window for intervention, recognizing how close she came to a different outcome.
Joan remained in the hospital for a week, showering praise on the "amazing," professional, and caring staff at Penrose. Though referred to a cardiologist, neurologist, and speech therapist, she was "cleared on all levels," requiring no further therapy. Her diagnosis was a large vessel occlusion, successfully treated with IV medication and the thrombectomy that removed the clot.
Thriving After Stroke: Life at 80 Thanks to CommonSpirit Health
Since that traumatic moment in 2024, Joan has embraced life with renewed vigor. She firmly believes that medical advancements and an active social life contribute to longevity, declaring "80 is the new 60."
To stay active, Joan volunteers as a docent at the zoo, a place she describes as her "happy place" filled with people dedicated to conservation. She also engages in creative hobbies like making Cricut projects and some crocheting.
"As a whole team, they gave me life," she says, emphasizing not just life, but a quality of life. "They saved me.”
Learn more about CommonSpirit's life-saving stroke centers across the Mountain Region.
