Blog: Why a 12-Year-Old is My Guest at the State of the Union

Statement

Every year I have the opportunity to invite one guest to the State of the Union. This year, I invited a 12-year-old boy named Jackson Cunningham because he's my personal hero.

"I want it all back."

It all started with a basketball game at Jackson's school. He was going to spend the day at his grandparents afterwards. While playing outside he didn't feel well. He went inside and got sick. He lost control of his left side and was taken to the hospital. Tests were run with no results. Jackson's pediatrician came to the hospital and immediately had him moved to another hospital. There the life altering news was delivered - Jackson had a stroke.

Half of Jackson's skull was removed during surgery, but he was undeterred. A doctor asked Jackson what he wanted to get out of therapy. His answer was "I want it all back." After months of intensive rehab, Jackson was able to return to school the next fall and start 4th grade with his classmates.

A year after that basketball game at Jackson's school, I suffered a stroke. I began rehab just as Jackson had - determined to make a full recovery. One day during rehab, Jackson learned about my stroke and decided to send me a letter. The advice I got from Jackson inspired me to work even harder:

"Do not give up on yourself. All the hard work is worth it."

Jackson is one of the reasons I'm at the State of the Union today. Since his initial letter, we have written to each other regularly.

Now 12, Jackson's rehab has paid off also. I am inspired daily by his perseverance. Each step he takes is a reminder of the everyday heroes I am fighting for in Washington.

Since our initial letters, Jackson came to visit me on Capitol Hill, I raced Jackson at University of Illinois, and we climbed the Willis Tower together in Chicago.

I am honored to count Jackson among my friends and have him as my guest at the State of the Union. I hope his visit will show him and other stroke survivors that having a stroke doesn't have to limit your potential.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability for adults in the United States, but it shouldn't mean the end to a productive life. Survivors deserve better. It is my mission to create a standard of care to optimize the entire rehabilitation system--by transforming the way researchers, doctors, therapists and hospitals care for patients with neurological disorders and injuries--to give others the opportunity to have the absolute best quality of care possible.

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