Our KNX Hero of the Week, Andrew Chi, is breaking through barriers after surviving a stroke while swimming in the ocean.
In July 2023, Chi was swimming with a group off the coastline of Santa Monica when he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.
“I couldn't move my left arm, and I was swallowing water, which I never did,” he told Heroes host Heather Jordan. “So, that's when I knew something was up.”
His fellow swimmers noticed he was having trouble, and they got him out of the water and called for help. He was rushed to the hospital for an emergency craniotomy and remained in the ICU for ten days.
After a few months of acute rehabilitation and home therapy, Chi went to the Centre for Neuro Skills’ Los Angeles clinic. He’s had several surgeries and is now able to walk with a cane.
Chi has also returned to the water, connecting with the nonprofits Life Rolls On and Angel City Sports. He’s even participated in a few swim clinics and a couple of adaptive surf clinics in the ocean.
He said he's grateful for each person who's been a part of this journey.
“I feel like I have so many people to thank,” he said. “People who swam to my rescue, my doctors, my husband, my family, friends who have just made my life better by reaching out and being so incredibly supportive.”
Chi is working on his next big milestone- improving his swimming so he can be a part of a relay team for the 2027 Malibu Triathlon.
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