Gym owner fights to recover after “extremely scary” stroke at 36: “I didn’t know if I’d ever see again”

Donald “Frue” McAvoy and his fiancée, Rachel Leaptrott, were enjoying a leisurely Sunday afternoon in early December 2023, indulging in a cheese board and watching a football game. However, their peaceful day took a frightening turn when McAvoy suddenly began choking after taking a bite of food. Unable to swallow or breathe, he was in immediate distress.

Leaptrott sprang into action, clearing McAvoy’s throat and calling 911 when she realized his pupils were fixed and he was unable to see. Paramedics arrived and identified the issue as a neurological problem, leading to a terrifying diagnosis at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida – McAvoy was experiencing a severe stroke at the young age of 36.

Dr. Rabih Tawk, a neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic, performed a thrombectomy to remove the clot causing the stroke and discovered that McAvoy had a vertebral artery dissection that had cut off blood flow to his brain and spine. The stroke had also caused his airway to collapse, resulting in the choking episode. While the surgery was successful, the full extent of the stroke’s effects remained unknown until McAvoy regained consciousness.

Leaptrott described the MRI results as resembling fireworks, with multiple areas of McAvoy’s brain affected by the stroke. He spent seven days on a ventilator before transitioning to therapy to relearn basic motor skills like standing, walking, writing, and speaking. Despite facing challenges like two pulmonary embolisms, McAvoy remained determined to recover, fueled by Leaptrott’s Christmas Day hug request.

Setting his sights on that goal, McAvoy pushed himself through therapy and rehabilitation, participating in Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital’s intensive program to regain his strength and abilities. With the support of dedicated therapists, nurses, and doctors, he made remarkable progress, chronicling his journey on social media and connecting with fellow stroke survivors.

After 24 days at Brooks Rehabilitation, McAvoy was discharged with the ability to walk unaided down a 200-foot hallway. Although he still faces lingering effects from the stroke, such as using a walker and experiencing vision difficulties, he has returned to his beloved activities like athletics and continues to set new goals for his recovery.

McAvoy remains grateful for his journey and the support he has received, recognizing the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming adversity. He continues to attend therapy sessions at Brooks Rehabilitation’s Neuro Recovery Center, embracing each new milestone with gratitude and determination. His story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, demonstrating the power of resilience and the importance of a strong support system.