Brudnick Center for Living Resident Mark Singer After his Stroke: “I’m Never Giving Up!”

Singer was in good health, incredibly active and ran a financial planning firm on the North Shore. He loved his job and never considered retirement. Additionally, Singer was a contributor to the Lynn Item and wrote four books on financial wellness and retirement.

As a result of the stroke, Mark lost his ability to speak, swallow, eat and even perform the most basic functions. He required a feeding tube for months. His recovery started at Lahey Clinic and continued at Spaulding Rehabilitation; he was transferred to the Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living two ½ years ago. Through intense physical therapy and a passion for rebuilding his life, Mark can now walk 33 steps at a time and converse with his usual eloquence, charm, and wit.

“I am a financial planner, but I never planned for this,” admits Singer. “I don’t think anyone ever does. “But when a crisis happens, you deal with it the best you can. And sometimes, as in my case, it gives you a whole new perspective.”

For Mark, the hardest part of this experience was his loss of independence. Before his stroke, he was doing ten things at once. “I loved keeping busy with my family, my job and various activities, but in hindsight, I realized was never really present.” Mark cites his new ability to remember names as an example. “Before my stroke, I never remembered people’s names. I was always trying to do a million different things. Now, when I am introduced to a person, I take the time to repeat the name and memorize the face. I want to get to know them. In fact, the staff at the Brudnick Center are always asking me the names of visitors!”

Mark loves that his friends and family members pop into the Brudnick often throughout the day. “It’s such a welcoming environment and I really do feel like it’s home.” Most days, he can be found taking exercise classes and playing trivia. “And whenever there’s a poker game, I’m in!” He also enjoys hearing the birds chirp, a pastime he never had time for before. “My mom loved birds. Now I make sure I go outside every day and listen to the birds chirping. I think of her each time.”

Singer credits the Brudnick Center staff for making the skilled nursing residence such a special place. “The staff is utterly amazing. They possess the unique ability to create a sense of community. You can tell they really care about the residents.” He is also impressed with how the organization treats both staff and residents. “From the top down, they treat every person with dignity and respect. That’s rare.”

There is no doubt that Mark’s family is his top priority. His partner Sheryl, their four children and five grandchildren are his greatest joy. Like every grandparent, he can’t resist bragging a bit. ““Three years ago, I took my eleven-year-old granddaughter, Lailani, to try-out for the gymnastics team. She left in tears because she didn’t make the team. Last month she won the State Gymnastics Championship,’ he said proudly. “She too learned the importance of hard work, perseverance and to ‘never give up.’ Guess that’s the new family motto,” he said with a laugh.

Today, Singer gives motivational talks all over the North Shore. Recently he addressed a group of financial planners at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, stressing the importance of trust and teamwork. He also just completed yet another book and is collaborating with an editor prior to publication. And while he’s still mulling over titles, the book’s message is clear: “Slow down, be patient, celebrate the small victories, and enjoy life!”

Without a doubt, Mark Singer is enjoying every day to the fullest.