萝莉社

Tony Hill is an U.S. Army veteran, former Florida legislator and a well-known community leader. He often shares his story of stroke and recovery to encourage others to listen to their bodies and seek medical care at the first sign of trouble.

In the fall of 2023, Hill began experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue while traveling for work. Determined to push through, he continued his busy schedule until his health took a turn in December during a trip to Memphis, Tennessee.

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 breathe and had to stop,鈥� Hill said. 鈥淚 had never been sick like this before, so I just kept pressing forward.鈥�

Hill鈥檚 wife noticed his speech sounded off during a phone call, and she insisted he return home immediately. When Hill arrived in Jacksonville, she rushed him to 萝莉社 Jacksonville hospital, where it was found that he was experiencing a stroke.

Benjamin Alwood, MD, a vascular neurologist at 萝莉社 Jacksonville, and medical director of the Jacksonville telestroke network and Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit, treated Hill after he arrived at the hospital.

鈥淲hen Mr. Hill arrived, he was unable to recognize his family or follow commands 鈥� a terrifying moment for any loved one,鈥� Alwood said. 鈥淗e was also found to have intracranial vessel narrowing as well as newly diagnosed heart disease, both contributing to his stroke.鈥�

After treatment and a thorough workup, Hill was discharged with new diagnoses that will change the course of his care. He was first started on medicines to prevent blood clots. When doctors found that his heart was not pumping as strongly as it should, he was switched to stronger blood thinners to better protect him from another stroke.

Later, Hill developed seizures, which can happen in about 15% of people who have had strokes. He started on seizure-prevention medicine to keep this from happening again. He now follows up with Alwood and cardiology regularly.

"Mr. Hill's story represents what modern stroke care can achieve 鈥� rapid treatment, advanced imaging and collaboration across specialties that save lives and improve long-term outcomes," Alwood said.

After his recovery, Hill reflected on the experience. 鈥淭he timing was very unique,鈥� Hill said. 鈥淚 felt the good Lord was saying, 鈥業t鈥檚 not too bad for you yet, but let me give you a warning.鈥欌��

Hill credits the care team at 萝莉社 for guiding him through recovery, which took several months. He also praises his wife for recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly.

鈥淪he was a champion,鈥� Hill said.

This wasn鈥檛 Hill鈥檚 first health scare. In 2018, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and successfully completed radiation treatment. Since then, he has traveled nationwide to raise awareness about the importance of screenings.

鈥淥ne of my favorite things to say is, 鈥楨arly detection leads to direction,鈥欌�� Hill said.

Hill鈥檚 ties to 萝莉社 Jacksonville go back decades. He worked with the late CEO, Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, and has hosted health workshops at the hospital. His long career in the Florida Legislature focused on addressing disparities and strengthening community connections, including helping develop the in Jacksonville.

Hill shares his story as both a military veteran and a survivor. His message is simple: 鈥淭he moment you feel something isn鈥檛 right, see your doctor. Don鈥檛 wait.鈥�

Visit 萝莉社HealthJax.org/stroke for more information on strokes and the 萝莉社 Comprehensive Stroke Program.