A full-time employee at his family’s barbecue restaurant, thirty-three-year-old Dedrick Fields’ life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a stroke. He suffered left side weakness and was unable to talk. He also was experiencing pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Dedrick was hospitalized for and placed on a ventilator. Initially treated in a hospital in Dallas, he transferred to Mesquite Specialty Hospital where he received continued critical care.

When he became strong enough, Dedrick was transferred to Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) to received specialized rehabilitative care. While at MRI, Dedrick says his physical therapist, Isaac, significantly impacted his recovery.

“My children are the main motivation for my recovery,” Dedrick says. “I’m determined to gain my strength so I can be there for them. My success will be to live a healthy lifestyle.”