Community activist shares his stroke story to inspire others

On a state level, Detroit resident Lamont Causey put his Wayne State degree in child psychology to good use working for the State of Michigan for more than 25 years in a variety of roles including social security administration and foster care. On a local level, he has been a fierce advocate for the Clairmount area neighborhood that he and generations of his family have called home for decades. Situated close to what's now known as Gordon Park, the site of the 1967 riots, Lamont, who was 5 years old at the time, has spent his adult life advocating for revitalization of the historic community that was greatly affected by the uprising.

Health issues temporarily derail community revitalization involvement

Lamont, who has a history of diabetes and asthma, was only 36 when he suffered a mini stroke. At that time, he did not have any lasting physical symptoms. In 2019, at the age of 57, Lamont suffered a major stroke leading to a life-altering situation. “It affected my right side. After leaving the local hospital I spent months in a nursing rehabilitation facility where I was not able to walk, had trouble swallowing and speaking and basically was not functional for one year,” he says. The stroke prevented him from returning to work and doing advocacy work for his community that was central to his life.

Post-stroke rehab and care leads to positive recovery

With a determination to persevere, Lamont relied on the medical experts at Henry Ford Hospital, including his long time primary care physician Cynthia Cohen, MD, to help get him back on track. “Mr. Causey has been very diligent and enthusiastic in following his care plan, which has been the key to his success,” explains Dr. Cohen. In addition to helping to manage his diabetes and asthma, the comprehensive plan has included extensive physical therapy to help him walk, along with treatment with Botox injections from Dr. Maria Humayun, who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Botox can help with muscle spasticity in stroke patients by reducing muscle stiffness and overactivity.

“We’re able to meet the needs of patients like Mr. Causey with our Comprehensive Care Center, a multidisciplinary program focused on caring for patients who may require more resources,” Dr. Cohen adds. Lamont says the hard work and help from his Henry Ford team has paid off greatly.

“I’ve come from not walking at all, to using a wheelchair and I can now walk with a cane thanks to the wonderful rehabilitation team at my hospital, Henry Ford Hospital. It has been the hospital I have relied on for care throughout my life, and I have immense gratitude for everyone on the team,” he states proudly.

Stroke survivor support group sparks idea for raising stroke awareness in his community

Lamont says in addition to rehabilitation and medical care, he has found the Henry Ford Stroke Survivorship Group a great resource to meet with other stroke survivors and learn about additional resources that can help him and others affected by stroke. Always an advocate for the community, he recently spearheaded a community event at Gordon Park that included health care experts from Henry Ford to raise awareness of stroke symptoms, prevention and treatment, particularly among the African American community, who have a higher prevalence and death rate of stroke than any other racial group.

A “Spirit of Detroit” award for his stroke awareness efforts

His advocacy over the years to revitalize the community surrounding Gordon Park, which now encompasses concerts in the park, a children’s playscape and plans to offer protected bike lanes, and safe crosswalks, leading to a connected, walkable neighborhood, caught the attention of city leaders, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield. As a result, Lamont was recently presented with the Spirit of Detroit Award for outstanding achievement or service to the citizens of Detroit.

“I am honored to receive this award and plan to continue to do everything in my surrounding community to raise awareness about the need to revitalize the community and improve stroke awareness. It’s been a long road, but thanks to my hospital which I proudly say is Henry Ford Hospital, and the care team, I’m giving myself an A+ in my journey to restore my health.”

His Henry Ford Stroke Support Group team, including Stroke Navigator Taylor Pardo, couldn’t agree more.

“Lamont is a dedicated member of our monthly stroke survivor meetings. By sharing his story with a positive outlook, he has been able to inspire and help others in the group find hope and stay optimistic about their recovery,” she says. “He is a passionate advocate for stroke prevention, and is working to educate and support his community, and is making a difference in the lives of those around him.”

For further information visit stroke prevention, treatment and care at Henry Ford Health.