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From Paralegal To Poker Star: st. Cloud’s Jordan Handrich Bets On A New Life After Stroke
A Decade Can Change Everything. For Jordan Handrich, A St.Cloud Native, It Meant Navigating Unexpected Turns from A Promising Legal Career To The Glittering World Of Las Vegas Poker. Her Story Is One Of Resilience, Reinvention, And Finding A New Identity In The Face Of Adversity. How Did she Do it?
The Unexpected Detour: A Stroke’s Impact
At 37, Handrich’s Life Took An Unforeseen Turn. A Snowmobile Accident In Montana Aggravated A Pre-Existing Back Problem. A Subsequent Visit To A Chiropractor Led To A Vertebral Artery Dissection, Resulting In A Stroke. This Catastrophic Event forced Her To Abandon Her Thriving Career As A Construction defect Lawyer.
The Stroke Left Handrich With Lasting Effects: Migraines, Aphasia, Executive Dysfunction, And Vision problems. Simple Tasks Such As Reading, Following Recipes, And Articulating Thoughts Became Monumental Challenges.
Finding A New Game In Vegas
Despite These Challenges, Handrich Discovered A Passion And Aptitude For Poker. Recognizing The Inclusive Nature Of The poker Community, She Moved To Las Vegas, Where She Could Play Without Feeling Judged For Her Disabilities.
Poker As Therapy And Social Outlet
Before Her Stroke, Handrich Enjoyed Poker For Its Social And Competitive Aspects. She Appreciated Meeting People From All Walks Of Life, Including Bookies, Doctors, And Billionaires.
Post-Stroke, Poker offered Handrich A Unique opportunity To Overcome Her Communication Difficulties. Masking Her Aphasia By attributing Verbal Stumbles To A Few Drinks,She Found Acceptance among fellow Players.
Carmen: A Service Dog’s Unwavering Support
In 2023, Handrich Enlisted The Help Of Pawsitivity Service Dogs In St. Paul To Train Carmen, A Cavapoo, as A Service Dog. Carmen Alerts Handrich To Migraines Before They Fully develop, Providing Her With Timely Warnings.
Carmen’s Support Extends Beyond Migraine Alerts. She Calms Handrich During Emotional Overload And Provides Comfort During Stressful Situations. The Canine Companion
