Stroke Survivor of the Month - July 2003
David Demm
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Each of us has a different story, but many of our struggles are the same. We honor David Demm this month for his positive attitude and strength of spirit. He's a Survivor who won't settle for anything less than the best!

David Demm says:

"I sold electronic wire and cable. I was a salesman and about five years ago I ended up buying the company. So I sell electronic wire and cable within a five state area for a manufacturer in Chicago. I have a branch office in North Carolina and most of my day to day business runs through that office, which entails taking orders, placing orders on the factory, and then following the orders to make sure deliveries are made.

My job was about 90% on the road. You’re always looking for new customers through existing customers making sure all the orders are handled correctly and with no complaints. It’s like a customer service job.

There had been no physical impairments or medical history. No medications. I played golf, softball, love to ski and I was a member of a fitness club for four or five years. So when I was on the road I made sure I went by the gym at least twice a week for a work-out.

At one time I had back pain and went to a health service. The doctor examined me and said my blood pressure was ranging high. He put me on a medication that didn’t agree with me. I really didn’t believe him because we could never get the blood pressure to react. It would go up and down.