WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) on Tuesday will welcome Michael Klonowski, licensed physical therapist for The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), as his guest for the State of the Union Address. Michael Klonowski was Senator Kirk's primary physical therapist throughout his recovery. Senator Kirk credits therapists like Mike with helping stroke patients to confront physical limitations and reenter the workforce. 

During the Address Sen. Kirk plans to sit with friend and colleague Senator Joe Manchin, Democrat from West Virginia. Senators Kirk and Manchin planned on sitting together during the 2012 State of the Union; however, Senator Kirk's stroke prohibited him from attending. Senator Manchin visited Senator Kirk in the ICU and the two spoke frequently throughout Senator Kirk's recovery. 

"Therapists like Mike Klonowski work every day to change people's lives by helping them confront their limitations and get back into the workforce," said Senator Kirk.  "It is my honor to highlight the work of these unsung heroes of the medical rehabilitation community."  

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in America. Stroke-related medical issues and lasting physical disabilities make returning to work difficult for many stroke patients. Of the approximate 700,000 Americans who survive stroke each year, only about one-third of them reenter the workforce. Intense physical and occupational therapy are critical in helping people learn how to live full, normal lives after stroke. Sen. Kirk attributes much of his success in being able to return and fulfill the duties and responsibilities entrusted to him by the people of Illinois to his RIC therapists: Mike Klonowski, Ryan Pelo, Kim Weir, Anne Marie Doyle, Kathryn Borio, Marc Fischer, Sarah Zera, Amanda Bacheller, Joseph Kim, Sarah Penzell, Ed Hitchcock, and Abby Leddy.

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