May 2025 Newsletter

On October 15th, 2022, Nick Kiesow experienced a spinal cord stroke at the T6 level, near the base of the sternum. The stroke left him paralyzed from that point down.

Spinal cord strokes are extremely rare—far less common than strokes that occur in the brain. Statistically, spinal cord strokes account for only 1% to 2% of all strokes. It is estimated that fewer than 10,000 people per year in the United States experience one. That is roughly 12 to 30 cases per 100,000 people annually. Because they are so uncommon, spinal cord strokes are often harder to diagnose and can take longer to fully understand and treat.

At the time of Nick’s stroke, he was a Mortgage Loan Officer with Fairway Mortgage — a role he continues to hold today. The main accommodation Nick requires is the ability to work remotely. He does daily therapy in Sioux Falls and travels to Denver, Colorado, four to five times per year for intensive therapy that lasts several weeks at a time. Nick states, “Being able to work from home or while in Denver has allowed me to continue performing my job while focusing on my goal of learning to walk independently again.”

Nick feels fortunate he did not have to change his career path. With just a phone and a laptop, he can do his job from virtually anywhere. That said, some aspects of his work do look different now. Meeting with referral partners — such as realtors, financial advisors, and past clients — in coffee shops, restaurants, or their offices requires more logistical planning. Nick has to figure out parking and accessibility, whether he is using his wheelchair or walking with canes. It also takes more time out of his day to travel and navigate in and out of those meetings.

Nick has been married to his wife Kari for 20 years, and they have two children, Lillian (17) and Henry (16). Nick shares they have all been incredibly helpful and supportive as they continue to navigate this new chapter of their lives together.

When asked what advice Nick would give to someone who acquired a disability, he answered, “Advocate for yourself and don’t give up. Life may look different than it did before, but different doesn’t mean less. Since my stroke, I have learned that it is still possible to be present for our kids’ activities, maintain a career, and enjoy a fulfilling social life. It takes adjustment, planning, and persistence — but it’s absolutely possible.”