Pro Football Legend Bob Lilly Credited with Saving Wife’s Life After Stroke
PROSPER, Texas – Bob Lilly, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive end and Pro Football Hall of Famer, is being hailed as a hero for his quick action that ultimately saved his wife, Ann Lilly, during a medical crisis. Ann, 80, recently celebrated her return home after a challenging 10-week recovery journey from a life-threatening hemorrhagic stroke that began on February 28.
The ordeal started when Ann woke up with a severe headache, prompting her to alert Bob. Recognizing the signs of a stroke, he promptly sought medical assistance, leading to her emergency brain surgery. Following the operation, Ann was placed on a ventilator and feeding tube, and underwent over three weeks of intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Prosper.
Dr. Faisel Zaman, who has treated Ann during her rehabilitation, emphasized the critical nature of Bob’s swift response. “The consequences could’ve been catastrophic. He saved her life,” Dr. Zaman noted, explaining that Ann suffered a stroke where blood leaked into her brain tissue.
Today marks a significant milestone as Ann completes her last therapy session and heads home, with ongoing home health support planned for the next several months. Emotional scenes unfolded as doctors and staff lined the hallways to cheer for her recovery journey. Ann expressed gratitude for her caregivers and shared her determination to walk daily with Bob, setting her sights on full recovery.
With nearly 800,000 Americans expected to experience a new or recurrent stroke this year, Ann’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms promptly. The Lilly family looks forward to the future, encouraged by her progress and the support they’ve received throughout their ordeal.
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