Ruth Cusack
On September 25, 2024, Ruth Cusack and her husband, Louis, stopped at the Alaska Native Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, after one of their regular moose hunting trips. They had shot a moose and wanted to donate it to the hospital. "We donate because we knew that if we were ever in a similar position, we would want other people to support us," they said. And just hours later, they were.
Ruth suffered a stroke just moments after getting home while unpacking from their trip. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she would spend the next 70 days, 50 days in the ICU, 20 of them in a coma. She would then spend the next three months at Craig Hospital in Denver before arriving at On With Life.
When deciding where to go after Craig, Louis and Ruth looked at several rehabilitation centers across the country. Being from a rural area where they spend plenty of time outdoors, they decided that some of the programs that focused more on "return-to-work" rehabilitation wouldn't be a great fit for their lifestyle. What drew them to On With Life was the focus on practical skills that Ruth would utilize on a day-to-day basis. A spot in On With Life's inpatient program was available and because Ruth has roots in Iowa, the two made their way to Ankeny for the next part of their journey.
Once they arrived, Louis knew this was where they needed to be. While On With Life didn't have all of the high-tech equipment they had utilized at Craig, the practical approach to therapy was exactly what Ruth needed. Louis recalls feeling an overwhelming sense of relief during Ruth's first therapy session. "I thought, this is the experience and knowledge Ruth needs to get 'on with life,'" said Louis. "It's such a vivid memory I have of our time there — I will never forget it."
While at On With Life, Ruth focused on day-to-day skills such as walking, climbing stairs, reading and writing. While the knowledge and approach to Ruth's therapy team was impactful, Louis says it was the genuine connection they made with Ruth that really made the difference in her recovery.
In April 2025, Ruth discharged from On With Life and was able to return home to Alaska. Since being home, she had a shunt installed to relieve additional pressure in her brain which has helped her progress immensely.
Ruth was able to go on her first moose hunt post-stroke. While they didn't venture to an area as remote as they normally would have, Ruth loved the fresh air and being back in the woods. With each new adventure Ruth takes on, Louis is sure to send photos and updates to the On With Life team who played a large role in where she is today.