Repub Senator Mark Kirk climbs 37 floors at Willis Tower in Chicago...

[cynatnite]

CHICAGO — Gripping a handrail and wearing a brace on his left leg, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk climbed 37 floors inside Chicago's Willis Tower on Sunday in his first public appearance since suffering a major stroke.

Kirk, taking part in a popular charity fundraiser called "SkyRise Chicago," started walking from the 66th floor and climbed up to the finish line at the 103rd floor.

He was met with hugs and cheers from family and friends at the end. The senator paced slowly through the crowd with the help of a cane, smiling but saying little to the media.

Kirk's stroke in January severely limited movement on the left side of his body.

"We've seen some amazing progress over the last few months," said Michael Klonowski, a physical therapist with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where Kirk is receiving treatment. "As an in-patient, he needed significant help. Now here he is going up the stairs without my help."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/04/mark-kirk-climbs-willis-t_n_2072864.html

I know we have a tendency to only see the worse when it comes to Repubs and what they stand for. In this instance, it's not about politics. It's about determination and inner strength. This man is overcoming a debilitating stroke.

Congrats to him for this significant achievement.

[Cirque du So-What]

1. Hell, a Democrat could climb those 37 floors on the outside - like Spiderman

I keed, I keed!

Congratulations on his recovery.

[cynatnite]

2. LOL. That is funny. n/t

[alcibiades_mystery]

3. Kirk sided with the Prez on repeal of DADT

Just saying. I'd rather have a Dem in there, and he's gone lockstep on tons of shit with the GOP crazies, but he's not a GOP crazy himself.

[Lucinda]

4. Thank you for sharing this!

[hedda_foil]

5. Altho as a constituent, I never cared for him, I'm in awe

Of his grit and determination in the face of such a major stroke. I think he just may come back, and might even stand up to the wingnuts in the Senate when he does. As a Congressman in a rather blue district, he was fairly moderate.

[TwilightGardener]

6. Good for him!

[Bucky]

7. He's only 53.

And he has good healthcare. I hope he remembers what that's meant for his recovery when the next vote comes around.

[Skittles]

8. that's pretty cool

happy for him

I do hope his experience with this challenge makes him more, er, democratic

[Mr.Turnip]

9. Good for him, not a fan of him politically but I am glad he is recovering.