Sinbad still learning how to walk two years after a life-changing stroke

Strokes are serious business. You might recall that Sinbad experienced a stroke a little over two years ago, but the comedian has a long road of recovery ahead of him. According to his family, Sinbad is still learning how to walk but is beating the odds and fighting every day to get better.

A website set up by Sinbad’s family explains that he suffered an ischemic stroke due to a blood clot that travelled from his heart to his brain on October 25, 2020. He was rushed to the hospital, where the doctor’s performed a thrombectomy to remove the clot. Following the surgery, Sinbad was talking and moving, and his recovery looked very promising, but a second blood clot formed the next day, which meant that he had to undergo another surgery. Two surgeries back to back took their toll, and doctors found evidence that Sinbad’s brain had begun to swell. While performing a craniotomy, doctors discovered a bleed and Sinbad was placed on a ventilator in a medically induced coma. “Our hearts were devasted,” reads a statement from the family. “The road to recovery became unclear and extremely difficult for the family to navigate.“

It would be weeks before Sinbad would open his eyes, speak, or show signs of basic mobility, but he was eventually weaned off the ventilator and began physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Sinbad wouldn’t return home for nearly nine months after his initial stroke, but he’s continuing therapy every day. In his own words, “I am not done. I will not stop fighting until I can walk across the stage again.” As the survival odds for this type of event are said to be around 30%, Sinbad has made tremendous progress, but there’s still a long way to go and this type of therapy is very expensive. “The costs of therapy far exceed what insurance covers and it has taken its toll on the family financially,” Sinbad’s family said. “Many of you have asked what you can do to support us. We created this site as an avenue for those who would like to lend their support and contribute in some way. All gifts will go to the Adkins Trust to help provide for Sinbad’s care and help him continue to fight this battle.” You can find that site right here. Wishing you all the best on your road to recovery, Sinbad!