Resilience and recovery: the journey of sergeant first class chris scott | va richmond health care | veterans affairs

May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about strokes—their causes, effects, and the profound impact they have on individuals and families. This month, we

shine a spotlight on the inspiring rehabilitation experience of retired Sergeant First Class Chris Scott, a Veteran who navigated the challenging road to recovery after a hemorrhagic stroke.

  Chris Scott’s journey took an unexpected turn on November 3, 2023, following a live fire exercise with SEAL Team 8. Feeling nauseous that evening, he went to bed, only to wake up three

days later from a coma, grappling with the consequences of a severe stroke. Initially treated at an outside hospital, Chris was later transferred to the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System

and the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC), where he would embark on an intensive rehabilitation journey.  A NEW BATTLE BEGINS "I’m Retired Sergeant First Class Chris Scott,"

he shares, reflecting on his military service that spanned over 15 years, with deployments to Iraq and Qatar. With a family that includes his wife, five children, and even some goats, their

life was vibrant before the stroke altered the family's course. Entering the PRC was a pivotal moment for Chris, yet it came with immense challenges. "Everything was a challenge. I

thought I was never going to get better," he admits. Chris faced the daunting reality of being entirely dependent on others for daily tasks. Simple activities like dressing himself and

using the restroom became overwhelming hurdles.  Scott’s immediate goals for rehabilitation were clear: "I wanted to walk again. I wanted to be as independent as possible, so my wife

didn’t need to be a full-time caretaker."  With unwavering determination, Chris set out to regain his independence for the sake of his family. REHABILITATION AT PRC At the PRC, Chris

was met with a dedicated team of therapists, each playing a significant role in his recovery. "We worked on my balance, my mobility, regaining the function of my arm and leg," he

explains. Therapy sessions included occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy, vision, psychology, and chaplain services. This

all-encompassing stroke rehabilitation program allowed Chris to address both physical and emotional aspects of his recovery.  As weeks progressed, he moved from simply functioning in a

controlled environment to preparing for real-world challenges. Learning to dress himself, maintain personal hygiene, and maneuver outside became vital components of his therapy.  After a

successful rehabilitation period at the PRC, Chris returned home excited, yet aware that new challenges awaited. "I went home for about a month and then ended up getting into the

Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program (PTRP)," he recounts, noting the importance of continued support and therapy in tackling obstacles he hadn’t anticipated at home. 

BUILDING A NEW FUTURE Now, Chris is navigating life after the hospital. "Since leaving, I’ve been able to spend time with my children. We have a new baby that came after I had my

stroke," he says with a hint of joy. His family has become his anchor as he embraces a medical retirement from the military, a transition solidified on March 28, 2025.  As he and his

wife contemplate their future, Chris highlights a key message about strokes: "My life changed so much in a matter of minutes... A stroke affects everybody, not just me. It has affected

my wife, my kids, and the people around me."  Scott’s story is a testament to resilience, demonstrating how the journey through stroke recovery extends beyond the individual to

encompass family and community. Chris Scott serves as an impactful reminder of the importance of awareness and support, embodying the spirit of perseverance in the face of life-changing

adversity. As we honor Stroke Awareness Month, we express gratitude to Sergeant First Class Chris Scott for sharing his experience, one that not only inspires and educates us on the

far-reaching effects of strokes. His journey is not only a story of personal triumph; it is a call to action for all of us to understand and advocate for stroke awareness and support for

those affected. Thank you to all the dedicated staff who work on our newly accredited Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), STROKE SPECIALTY REHABILITATION PROGRAM

within our Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC), located on unit 2B at the Richmond Campus of the Central Virginia VA Health Care System.