Dorthy A. Lane of Mishawaka was ready to turn in for the night. By the time she walked down to turn off the computer and came back up the stairs, her husband George knew something was wrong

"I could hear him talking, but I couldn't answer," said Dorthy. "He said the corner of my mouth was pulled down. Of course I fussed that I didn't need to go to the hospital."

Luckily, George called the paramedics anyway. Within minutes Dorthy arrived at the SJRMC Emergency Room in South Bend.

Dorthy had a Transient Ischemic Attack - more than one of them. A TIA is a mini-stroke, and occurs when the blood vessel is only temporarily blocked.

After receiving care in the ER, Dorthy was moved to Intensive Care Intermediate (ICI), SJRMC's designated Stroke Unit.

"For patients, this means that our stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that have been shown to significantly improve outcomes," said Dr. Steven Gable, former Co-Medical Director of the ICI. "It shows that our staff is interested in and dedicated to stroke care - we want to be the expert."

Today, Dorthy is at home and on the mend.

"I had such excellent care," she said. "The doctors and nurses sat down and took their time with me. I just give credit to the good Lord for getting me there in time, and for sending me to the right place."