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Stroke survivor Maria Odenkirk to climb Willis Tower with support from actor brother
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Stroke survivor Maria Odenkirk to climb Willis Tower with support from actor brother

Climbing the Willis Tower is no easy task, but next week a chicago-An area woman who suffered a stroke six years ago plans to take on the challenge of raising funds and awareness for stroke survivors.

Maria Odenkirk, who was 50 when she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in 2018, will be joined by her brother, actor and writer Bob Odenkirk, at the 16th Annual Skyrise Chicago Climb of the Willis Tower to Benefit Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago .

“I began my recovery after surviving a hemorrhagic stroke and it left me partially paralyzed on my left side from head to toe, all the way down to my core,” Maria said.

Maria’s older brother, actor and comedy writer Bob Odenkirk, helped her through her recovery process and now helps her help others.

“My sister had a stroke. She had a long recovery time, but because of the type of stroke she had and the severity of it, she recovered a lot more than most people,” Bob said.

The climb will test María’s endurance, as she aims to complete the upper 20 sections of the tower with her “Mobility Queen” team.

Meanwhile, Bob, who will be filming in Winnipeg, plans to support her virtually by climbing 25 flights in her apartment building four times.

“My apartment building is 25 stories high. So I’ll go up the stairs four times. I’ll take the elevator down… and I’ll get a massage when I’m done,” Bob said.

Shirley Ryan Skills Lab has been instrumental in María’s recovery and now helps them by testing new tools and equipment for people with mobility problems.

“They have everything in one place: the doctors, the clinicians, the therapists. And also the researchers in one place, which is very unique,” Maria said.

Since her stroke, Maria has participated in seven clinical trials at Shirley Ryan, and all of them have helped her regain some mobility, Bob said.

For those interested in supporting Maria’s Skyrise Climb, donations can be made at your website.