From Survivor to Thriver: How TIRR Memorial Hermann Helped Dawson Reclaim Her Life After Two Strokes

Today, Dawson Oliver is a strong, determined and unstoppable young woman. She walks into rooms with confidence, actively participates in Future Farmers of America—a youth organization that promotes leadership and agricultural education—and recently showed her heifer unassisted at the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This year, she’s graduating from high school and preparing for her next adventure—Tarleton State University, where she plans to study agriculture education.

Seeing her now, it’s hard to believe that just a year ago, she could move nothing but her eyes. A two-time stroke survivor, Dawson credits her remarkable recovery to the life-changing care she received at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas.

Unexplained Episodes That Led to a Medical Crisis

Starting when Dawson was 11 years old, she began experiencing occasional fainting episodes but no one could pinpoint the cause. Her mother, Hilary, recalls, "When she was younger, we got her ears pierced and she had a little passing out moment. It was no big deal—we thought it was just related to pain."

Then, a few years later, she fainted at a softball game. "After that, we had her blood checked. Diabetes runs in her dad’s family, so I was always concerned but everything came back normal."

In December 2023, Dawson experienced another episode while getting her hair done. "She told me she felt hot and nauseous, like she was going to get sick. The ladies around her said she almost looked like she was having a seizure before she passed out for a brief moment. But again, she came right back."

Despite multiple checkups over the years, doctors found nothing abnormal.

Then, in March 2024, Dawson was staying with her grandmother when she woke up with a severe headache and nausea. Every time she stood up, she felt like she would pass out. Her grandmother rushed her to the ER in Weatherford, Texas, but on the way, Dawson became unresponsive.

At the ER, Dawson’s mother immediately suspected something serious. "When I walked in, her eyes were open but she wasn’t responding. She couldn’t open her mouth and her whole body seemed to pull to the left. I kept asking, ‘Is she having a stroke?’ But I felt there was no sense of urgency from anyone."

Then, Dawson let out a horrific howl and clenched her teeth so hard her mother feared they would break. Her oxygen levels plummeted and doctors finally intubated her before transferring her to a pediatric hospital near her home in Fort Worth.

The Shocking Diagnosis

After Dawson was admitted to the hospital, doctors initially suspected seizures. However, an MRI revealed Dawson had suffered both an ischemic stroke and a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)—a rare condition caused by compression of the nerves, blood vessels or both in the thoracic outlet, the space between the collarbone (clavicle) and first rib. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery, cutting off oxygen to the brain, while a hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, leading to bleeding in the brain. In Dawson’s case, an extra rib compressed an artery, causing a clot to form. The only symptom she experienced before the diagnosis was discoloration in her fingers.

Years of playing sports, riding horses and lifting weights had unknowingly caused injuries that ultimately led to her TOS and contributed to her stroke. "Her hematologist told me, ‘If you had taken her to the doctor for discolored fingers, they would have never found this. It’s just so rare,’" Hilary recalled.

Doctors removed the clot in her brainstem and placed her on blood thinners to help dissolve another clot in her arm. But Dawson was paralyzed—she couldn’t move anything except her eyes. Therapy was minimal due to her condition and multiple complications sent her back to the ICU several times.

Despite grim predictions from some doctors, Dawson’s mother refused to accept limitations. "I told them, ‘Don’t you dare put a limit on her recovery. You don’t know the plan God has for her.’"

Dawson spent over two months there, but her mother knew she needed a different approach. "I told the doctors, ‘We have to get her to TIRR Memorial Hermann. She's not going to improve laying in this bed.’"

Arriving at TIRR Memorial Hermann: A New Beginning

On May 1, 2024, Dawson was transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston. At that point, the only movement she had was a slight ability to turn her neck and the strength to breathe on her own.

When Ryan Stork, MD, her lead physical medicine and rehabilitation physician affiliated with the TIRR Memorial Hermann Stroke Program, first met Dawson, he was surprised. "I remember the look on his face,” said Hilary. “Her medical records were dense, full of worst-case scenarios. But when he saw her, she was alert, focused and able to communicate with us using an alphabet board, moving her eyes to select letters.”

From day one, Dr. Stork brought a positive attitude, never once making them feel like Dawson’s goals were unattainable. He also helped Dawson safely wean off unnecessary medications. "When we got to TIRR Memorial Hermann, she was on 14 or 15 medications, including pain relievers and muscle relaxers. But on the fifth day there, the only thing she was taking was her blood thinner."

Dr. Stork recognized her determination and when Hilary told him that Dawson’s goal was to walk out of TIRR Memorial Hermann, he responded, ‘If that’s what she wants, let’s do it.’"

Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Determined to Walk Again

Continually ranked as one of America's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, TIRR Memorial Hermann is a national leader in medical rehabilitation and research. Renowned for its innovative therapies and patient-centered care, the hospital helps individuals regain strength, mobility and independence after life-altering injuries and illnesses.

For Dawson, TIRR Memorial Hermann became the turning point in her journey to recovery. "When a patient who has suffered a stroke or severe brain injury is referred to us, our goal is to maximize their recovery potential through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach," says Dr. Stork. "Every rehabilitation plan is tailored to the patient’s unique needs, helping them rebuild strength, coordination and confidence in their abilities."

From day one, Dawson was fully committed to her rehabilitation. She participated in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, often doing multiple sessions a day.

Dawson’s main physical therapist was Emily Klein, PT, DPT and from the start, she was all in. "Dawson told her, ‘I want to walk.’ And Emily said, ‘Let’s get to walking.’ And that’s exactly what they did,” said Hilary.

Dawson’s physical therapy focused on getting her up and moving as soon—and as often—as possible. In the early stages, she used a combination of supportive harnesses and overhead track systems that reduced the weight on her legs, making it easier and safer for her to practice standing and walking. These systems allowed her legs to move freely while providing the balance and stability she needed to build strength and coordination. With the help of a walker and guided exercises, Dawson steadily progressed in her mobility.

“Emily would put Dawson in any equipment that would support her and they walked. And then she trained me to help her walk in the room. It became our life—walking, walking and walking some more.”

Each day, Dawson made small but significant progress. A few days into therapy, she was able to lift her right leg off the bed—a huge milestone after being completely immobile. Soon, she could sit up, then stand and take assisted steps. As her physical strength grew, Dawson turned her focus to new goals—ones that required just as much determination. Occupational and speech therapy brought some of her biggest challenges.

In occupational therapy, she struggled because she had no control over her arms or hands. “She was so frustrated. It was slow, tedious work—learning to grasp objects, roll over in bed and adjust herself,” her mom shared.

But every small gain added up. By the time she left TIRR Memorial Hermann, she could lift her arms, move her hands and even assist herself with the walker.

Speech therapy was just as difficult for Dawson. After months of clenching her jaw shut, swallowing and speaking felt impossible. Her therapist worked on breathing exercises, vocalization and swallowing safety, but Dawson hated the process. “She didn’t like the way her voice sounded. She refused to speak in therapy but practiced with me when we were alone,” said Hilary.

Still, her determination never wavered. Over time, she regained her ability to form words. Though her voice remained softer and would slur when she was tired, she could hold full conversations again.

The Moment She Walked Out of TIRR Memorial Hermann

For six weeks, Dawson worked tirelessly, pushing through every challenge with determination. Then, on June 12, 2024, she did what some doctors early on in her journey never thought she’d be able to do—she walked out of TIRR Memorial Hermann using a walker.

The hallways were lined with her doctors, nurses, therapists, friends and family—all there to witness this incredible moment. With each step she took, the halls erupted in cheers and applause, the sound of pure support filling the air. Some clapped, some wiped away tears and others stood in awe of her strength.

"I don’t have the right words to accurately express the relief and joy I felt seeing my daughter walk again,” said Hilary. “Watching those doors open as she walked through them—it was the most beautiful day."

“Therapy was tough—it took everything out of me,” said Dawson. “But I was determined and I had an incredible support team by my side. My mom, my grandpa and my closest friends paired with our faith and the incredible team at TIRR Memorial Hermann kept me going. I didn’t walk this path alone quite literally. They encouraged me, kept me focused and never let me doubt myself. This journey has been a blessing from God and the team at TIRR Memorial Hermann are my heroes.”

Her family gives a heartfelt shoutout to Dr. Stork, Emily Klein, Mary-Cate, Miss Jessie and many others—each playing crucial roles in her recovery. They weren’t just caregivers; they were champions of Dawson’s progress, lifting her up when she needed it most.

“Dawson came to us with what would have seemed like an impossible goal, given the specific location of her stroke,” said Emily. “Dawson’s determination was the key defining factor in her recovery. She never took ‘no’ or ‘that might not happen’ as an answer and it served her with what many would consider a miraculous recovery.”

A Future Without Limits

Dawson’s journey has shaped not just her present, but her future. After overcoming what once seemed impossible, she is now set to graduate high school and head to Tarleton State University, where she will pursue a degree in agriculture education. She is looking forward to working with young students and helping to guide them through obstacles that many of them face, now with a brand-new perspective she hopes to share with each of them: “Do your best, and God will do the rest.”

Dawson’s future isn’t just about a career—it’s about using her experience to help others. Her mom often told her, “We don’t know why yet, but this is just part of your story. One day it will make sense.”

She now sees how Dawson’s struggles can offer hope to others. “Not many people can say, ‘I know what you’ve been through’—but Dawson can,” says Hilary.

Whether helping someone with a physical disability or an emotional obstacle, Dawson is prepared and experienced to help. Dawson's family says it was their faith that carried them through the hardest moments and they offer these encouraging words to others facing similar challenges: "Lean on God with everything that you have. Take it one minute at a time. Sometimes an hour or a day is too long. I had to get in the state of mind that this is where He wants us for whatever reason. So, I have to just be in it and make sure I don’t miss anything, because this is for a bigger purpose. Dawson was fearfully and wonderfully made… and she was born for this."

Now, Dawson moves forward with a story shaped by perseverance, faith and the exceptional rehabilitation care she received at TIRR Memorial Hermann—a journey that not only allowed her to thrive but now equips her to help others walk their own paths to healing, just as she did.

Ranked No. 2 in the nation for medical rehabilitation, TIRR Memorial Hermann offers world-renowned rehabilitative services. To learn more, visit TIRR Memorial Hermann | Memorial Hermann.