Omar's Story
Finding strength again after stroke and brain tumor treatment
At 67, Omar Sisto had built a life defined by motion, connection and purpose. An industrial engineer who had gone to the gym every day since he was 15, he took pride in staying strong for his spouse, Noam, their three children and growing number of grandchildren. In his community, Omar was known as “The Mayor,” a reflection of how naturally he brought people together and checked in on those around him.
That active, independent life changed suddenly after Omar experienced a stroke and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. What followed tested not only his physical strength, but the independence he valued so deeply.
A life interrupted
Omar was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where an MRI showed a tumor in his brain. He immediately underwent surgery to biopsy the mass. A second surgery followed to remove the tumor. Omar then began chemotherapy and radiation, which he still receives on a regular basis.
With the tumor addressed, there were many recovery days still ahead. His stroke had taken his ability to walk and he needed help with nearly all personal daily living tasks.
“After my stroke and diagnosis, I lost some of my independence,” Omar said. “That has been a big change for me.”
After returning home from his surgeries, it quickly became clear that further healing and rehabilitation would be required to rebuild Omar’s strength and mobility.
Taking the next step in recovery
Determined to move forward, Omar and his family began researching inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. They were looking for a place that specialized in neurologic recovery and offered care that was both hands-on and personal. Most of all, they wanted a hospital that could help Omar work toward his main goal which was to walk again.
After reading online reviews and asking questions, they chose West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital.
When Omar arrived, he recalled: “Starting the admission process can feel uncertain. But honestly, I felt encouraged and hopeful throughout.”
Relearning how to move
At the time of admission, Omar could not walk and required maximum assistance with movement and personal tasks. His therapy team immediately began a plan that would focus on rebuilding his strength, endurance and balance.
Omar then advanced to using a special mat system that provided a wide, padded surface allowing him to practice standing and moving safely. Omar practiced sit to stand exercises, with his therapist helping him to rise from a sitting position to standing in a controlled way. This engaged his leg muscles while fine-tuning balance. Omar also practiced weight shifting while standing, shifting his weight from one leg to the other while supported. This helped him further build stability as he prepared to take his first steps toward walking.
When that day came, Omar was placed an overhead support system with a safety harness. The system took on some of his weight and kept him firmly upright so he could step forward with confidence. With practice and time, Omar eventually began to walk up to 20 feet with assistance, a major milestone toward the return of independence.
Omar was also fitted for a specialized wheelchair that allowed the seat to recline while keeping his body supported. This helped him change positions throughout the day, taking pressure off the lower back so he could remain comfortable while resting between therapy sessions.
Occupational therapy also played an important role in helping Omar regain his independence. During sessions, he practiced putting weight on his left arm to help rebuild strength and improve awareness of that side of his body from the stroke. He worked on exercises to increase coordination for tasks like reaching for a cup then other objects as his confidence increased.
Therapy also included activities to improve how Omar sees and processes his surroundings. Matching and sorting items improved his visual attention while scanning the room and locating personal items helped with memory and cognition.
Confidence returns
Omar’s walking and ability to accomplish some personal tasks brought emotional progress alongside physical gains. For Omar, each accomplishment restored a sense of possibility.
“When I reach those milestones, I felt hopeful and excited,” he said. “They made me look forward to the future with confidence.”
A team that made a difference
Omar credits his progress to the entire West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital care team. From nursing and therapy to food service and environmental services, he felt supported throughout his stay.
“Every department has been wonderful,” he said. “They’ve been attentive to my needs, and accommodations have been made to make our stay more comfortable.”
The encouragement extended to Omar by his care team helped him stay motivated, even on difficult days.
Preparing for life at home
Family involvement played an important role in Omar’s recovery, too. Noam and his caregiver, Josh, participated in the hospital’s Care Partner Program where they learned how to safely support Omar with his mobility and daily activities.
“The guidance from my physical and occupational therapists has been invaluable in helping them know how to support me,” Omar said.
As discharge approached, the focus shifted to continuing recovery at home. Omar planned to begin with home health care before transitioning to outpatient care. His family prepared their home by installing support bars in the hallway so he could practice walking every day.
“We’re leaving feeling stronger and more confident,” Omar said. “We have the tools we need to keep recovering at home.”
Looking forward
Leaving West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital after two weeks brought mixed emotions.
“I built such a great connection with the team that it was hard to leave,” Omar said. “But what I’m most looking forward to is being with my family and soon welcoming our two new grandchildren.”
Reflecting on his experience, Omar described the care as deeply personal.
“West Gables is a place where healing is treated as a calling, not just a job,” he said. “I am deeply grateful.
This experience has truly changed me for the better. It’s given me hope and a brighter outlook on my future. I feel like a light has turned on after what once felt like a very dark time.”