On November 28, 2010, Masi Anthony-Preston awoke and immediately knew something was wrong. She attempted to get up to use the restroom and found that the left side of her body wouldn’t budge. She was immediately admitted to Washington Hospital Center, where she was informed she had suffered a stroke resulting from a blood clot in her carotid artery. On December 6, she was transferred to National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH).

During her eleven-day stay at NRH, Masi worked to regain control of the left side of her body. She continues outpatient treatment at Irving Street and is participating in the I-CARE study, which focuses on hand and arm recovery following a stroke. She credits the staff at NRH for her speedy recovery.

Having a stroke at 35 is a hard ordeal to endure, but Masi has made the best of her situation. She is currently the Assistant Principal at Community Academy Public Charter School. She says, “I hope to inspire my staff the way the NRH staff inspired me.” Masi enjoys traveling with her husband, 10-year old daughter, and 6-year old son. She looks to be a mentor for young suffers of stroke and explains, “I just want other patients to know there is hope.”