The contributions of research participants are critical for generating new knowledge in the field of neuroscience and developing new rehabilitation treatments. We are grateful to the many volunteers who have made our research possible over the years by sharing their time and insights with us. In this interview, we are pleased to highlight Mark Baumgardner, who has been involved in many research studies at Jefferson Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute over the past two decades. He shares more about his background, his experiences surrounding his stroke, and his thoughts on participating in research.
Can you share the circumstances surrounding your stroke and what happened afterwards?
I woke up June 9th, 2005, and early in the morning endured my first and only stroke. There were no signs leading up to the stroke as I lived a healthy lifestyle; however, I used to smoke at most two packs of cigarettes a day (no drugs or alcohol). I woke up one week later, and my sister and friend were visiting me in the hospital. I was not able to use my right arm and leg, nor was I able to speak. My right arm was curled up into my torso.
Over the course of two years, I was able to make progress with regaining the ability to use my right arm and leg. I spent a total of two weeks in Thomas Jefferson University hospital in Philadelphia before beginning physical therapy at a new hospital. I have made significant progress over the years since my stroke, as I am now able to regularly exercise due to regaining nearly (80%-90%) of my full range of motion back in my right arm. I am also able to walk around without a cane (though I still wear a brace on my right leg to prevent my knee from buckling). I have also regained the ability to drive.
Since I endured a stroke in the left hemisphere of my brain, I still deal with aphasia in my day-to-day life, where it most severely impacts my ability to produce speech in a way that is coherent for others to understand. However, I am very well aware of what I want to say, but I just can’t say it at times.
How did you decide to participate in stroke research studies?
I took it upon myself to give my contact information to those conducting stroke-related research after enduring my stroke. My reasoning was I wanted to help anybody I could who was going through the same or similar things I did. I have been in around 40-50 studies since starting to participate in research immediately following my stroke in 2005.
What has your experience been like as a participant in our research studies?
I enjoy the research I have done at Jefferson Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, specifically due to the bonds I have formed with the staff as I consider myself somewhat of a regular in terms of participating in studies there. I also find fulfillment in knowing that I may be helping people by potentially guiding future therapies based on the outcomes of these studies. Overall, I describe my experience as excellent/fulfilling as a participant in the many research studies I have been part of.
What have you enjoyed most about being part of our research studies?
Similar to the answer above, I have enjoyed the comradery, and the sense of helping others who have endured a stroke in the past or may have a stroke in the future.
What would you say to someone who is considering getting involved in research studies at our Research Institute?
DO IT!!!