Senator Mark Kirk received a standing ovation from colleagues as he climbed the steps leading to the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. When he reached the top in front of about 60 members of Congress, Kirk saluted and said “Reporting for duty.”
Just under a year ago, the stroke attacked the right side of his brain, which affected his speech, memory, attention and concentration, and his ability to walk.
In May 2012, Mark Kirk released a video outlining the progress of his recovery after suffering the stroke January 21, 2012 (See Senator Mark Kirk Releases Gait Analysis and Rehabilitation Walking Program Video).
On Sunday, November 4, 2012, the U.S. Senator climbed stairs in Willis Tower — starting on the 66th floor, which too about an hour to ascend to the finish line at the 103rd floor. Mark Kirk held on to the railing while ascending unassisted. His physical therapist, Michael Klonowski, was at his side at Willis Tower was also present for his 45-step climb up the U.S. Capitol steps.