What started as a day filled with anticipation and excitement quickly spiraled into chaos.
Nathaniel and Elizabeth Wetli were scheduled for their baby’s first ultrasound appointment, and Elizabeth was waiting for her husband to pick her up. But when he didn’t respond to her calls or texts, she knew that something was wrong.
Nathaniel, 35, had collapsed where he worked as media director at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point. He was unconscious for two hours before a co-worker found him and called 9-1-1. He was then rushed to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where doctors confirmed that he had suffered a massive stroke. Later, they would discover the cause, an undiagnosed PFO (patent foramen ovale), a small hole in his heart that allowed a blood clot to pass through to his brain.
Racing Against Time
His condition was serious. A blood clot had blocked a major artery in the left side of his brain, affecting his ability to speak and move the right side of his body. But because he arrived within the critical window for treatment, doctors were able to give him TNK, or Tenecteplase (a clot-busting medication), and perform a mechanical thrombectomy (a procedure to physically remove the clot).
“Nathaniel had a large stroke, one we consider clinically major,” explains Dr. Michael Forbes, a neurologist with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Stroke Center. “Even with the right treatment, a lot of brain tissue couldn’t be saved. But he was also young, motivated, and had a tremendous support system. Those things make a big difference.”
The next few days brought new complications. Swelling in Nathaniel’s brain became life-threatening, requiring immediate intervention. Neurosurgeons performed a decompressive hemicraniectomy, temporarily removing part of his skull to relieve the dangerous pressure building inside his head.
“He was critically ill,” recalls Dr. Suzan Farris, a neurologist who helped care for Nathaniel in the hospital and continues to treat him today. “But even early on, he was responsive, moving his toes and answering yes/no questions. His recovery has been remarkable, and his attitude has always been positive.”
The Long Road Back
Within days of his stroke, Nathaniel was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation, where he began the intensive work of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The days were long and challenging, filled with exercises designed to retrain his brain and body.
Progress came slowly but steadily. Simple tasks that once required no thought became monumental achievements. He eventually learned to walk again, though he still requires a brace on his right leg for stability. He uses his left hand for daily tasks and continues to work hard to regain function in his right arm.
“Before the stroke, I worked with my hands every day. Now I’m learning to do things one-handed, but I hope to use my right hand again. Every day my speech is getting stronger,” says Nathaniel.
The stroke left him with aphasia, a condition that affects language processing. He often knows exactly what he wants to say, but the words don’t come easily. His persistence shows in every aspect of his recovery.
“He’s incredibly motivated,” says Dr. Farris. “Even early on, he wanted to participate in therapy and push himself. That attitude plays a big role in stroke recovery.”
Finding Strength in Family
While Nathaniel fought to recover, Elizabeth faced her own emotional marathon. She was pregnant during his stroke and hospitalization, navigating the complex feelings of excitement about their growing family while worrying about her husband.
The contrast between their expectations and reality was stark. Instead of celebrating pregnancy milestones in the comfort of their home, they found themselves documenting precious moments in a hospital setting.
“We were taking our pregnancy announcement photos in the ICU room,” she recalls. “It was a lot to handle, but Nathaniel was determined. Now I get to watch him hold our daughter, Jayne’s, hand on walks around the neighborhood.”
For Elizabeth, those simple moments carry profound meaning. What others might take for granted has become deeply significant in their family’s story.
“These may seem like little tasks to some, but to us they are huge,” she explains. “I pray that as Jayne grows up, she sees how hard her daddy worked to get to where he is.”
The pregnancy became an unexpected source of hope during the darkest days. Elizabeth found ways to include her pregnancy in Nathaniel’s healing process, creating connections that strengthened his resolve.
“Being pregnant was such a blessing during that time,” Elizabeth remembers. “I would put Nathaniel’s hand on my belly and remind him how much he was loved. I know that gave him the will to fight.”
Ongoing Challenges
Recovery hasn’t been without setbacks. Months after his initial stroke treatment, Nathaniel developed seizures following a later surgery to restore the piece of skull removed during his stroke care. He’s now being treated for post-stroke epilepsy, a common but often misunderstood complication that affects many stroke survivors.
Dr. Forbes explains the reality many patients face.
“Epilepsy after a major stroke isn’t unusual. It’s frustrating, especially for someone like Nathaniel who’s eager to do things like yard work or drive again,” he says. “But with continued care and adjustment, many people are able to manage it.”
The seizures have added another layer of complexity to Nathaniel’s recovery, affecting his independence and daily routine. Simple activities like driving, which many take for granted, remain out of reach while he and his medical team work to control the seizures.
Still Nathaniel’s motivation remains strong. He continues to make strides in speech therapy, working with specialists who understand the unique challenges of aphasia.
“When I look at our daughter, I feel blessed. She makes me want to keep getting better,” he says.
The Role of Expert Care
Nathaniel’s recovery has been supported by a comprehensive team at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. The coordinated approach between neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists and support staff has been crucial to his progress.
Nathaniel also joined the stroke support group in September 2024. The Wentli family will often attend the monthly meetings as a family, and bring Jayne along.
“Stroke recovery requires a team approach,” explains Dr. Farris. “We’re not just treating the medical aspects of stroke, but helping patients and families navigate the emotional, social and practical challenges that come with this kind of life change.”
The medical team emphasizes that every stroke is different, and recovery timelines vary greatly. What remains constant is the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care.
Hope in Small Steps
Recovery after a stroke isn’t linear. Progress is measured in small victories rather than goal leaps. Some days bring breakthroughs, others present new challenges. But for the Wetlis, every step forward, every clear word spoken, every shared moment is a gift worth celebrating.
The family has learned to find joy in unexpected places. While Nathaniel is not working yet, he takes great pride in his ability to help run the lights during Green Street’s worship service once a month. And his determination to participate in his daughter’s life has created new traditions and ways of connecting. His strength has become a source of inspiration, not just for his family but for others facing similar challenges.
“We celebrate the big and small achievements,” Nathaniel says. “I’m thanking God for healing.”
Recognizing the Signs
To help people recognize stroke quickly, Dr. Forbes encourages the use of the acronym BE FAST: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.
“It’s simple but powerful,” he says. “If you or someone around you experiences sudden imbalance, vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech, time is critical. Call 9-1-1 immediately.”
The Wetli family’s experience underscores how quickly life can change and how important it is to act fast when stroke symptoms appear. Nathaniel’s relatively young age serves as a reminder that stroke doesn’t discriminate.
“People often think stroke only affects older adults, but we’re seeing it more frequently in younger patients,” Dr. Forbes explains. “Risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions can affect people at any age.”
A Story of Resilience
Nathaniel’s story is a reminder that stroke can affect anyone, regardless of age or health history. But with early intervention, intensive rehabilitation, and the support of a loving family and community, life after stroke can still be filled with purpose and meaning.
The Wetli family continues to navigate their new normal with grace and resilience. While the future may look different from what they once imagined, it is still filled with hope, love, and the determination of continued progress.
Their journey illustrates that recovery isn’t just about returning to who you were before, but about finding new ways to live a full life. Through the challenges, setbacks and small victories, they’ve discovered strength they didn’t know they had and a deeper appreciation for the moments that matter most.
“Life is different now, but it’s still beautiful,” Elizabeth reflects. “We’re grateful for every day we have together as a family.”
Learn more about expert stroke care at WakeHealth.edu/Stroke.