My name is Stephanie Hinds. I am a Psychiatrist. When I was 39 I had a baby, Toby, and 10 days later I had a massive stroke. This was a long time ago. Toby is seven years old now. After my stroke, I was in a coma for 17 days. I had to relearn how to walk, talk, read and write again; but I got better. I loved to cook before my stroke. For the first five years after my stroke, I wasn’t able to cook or help much around the house. But as I got better, I was able to do more. 

About 6 months ago, my OT at Spero Rehabilitation suggested I start cooking. Once a week I make dinner with my caretaker, Sandy. I prepare meals with a rocker knife, cutting board, and tofu press. I have made string cheese manicotti, creamy pasta and veggie casserole, gouda mac and cheese, and fish tacos in the air fryer. Reading the recipes is hard, but I am getting better at it. Toby wanted a dog and we adopted Chichi, which caused me to stop cooking. But I started cooking again after about a month of having Chichi. 

I find most of my recipes online. 

My least favorite part about cooking is having to be so careful around the stove and the oven. I do worry about getting burned. Now reading and cooking is hard. I started cooking but reading is still hard. Reading is clumsy, and cooking is clumsy too. My caretaker, Sandy, sometimes helps me read my recipes while I cook. 

I think cooking has helped with my recovery: stirring, chopping, standing and reading the recipes has made a difference. Being able to provide a meal for my son is great. It warms my heart.