A Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Suffers a Stroke

“People have it harder than me. Don’t get down.” – Tessa David-Burns

Strokes are meant for old people, right? Not for 28-year-old cheerleaders, let alone two-year-old children. And yet, Tess David-Burns suffered a massive stroke when she was in the prime of her life, having spent five seasons as a professional cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts after which she tried out for – and made – the team as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.

Tessa also worked on the side as a nanny and a spin instructor, and her relationship with her then-boyfriend, now husband was strong. So strong, as a matter of fact, that when she suffered her stroke, was bed-ridden, and begged him to leave her, he immediately refused her request.

Despite that support, Tessa faced an extremely long and uphill battle to recovery. Because she lived alone at the time of her stroke, Tessa laid in bed undiscovered for 36 hours while her brain continued to swell to critical proportions. After 12 days in ICU, she still couldn’t speak and was partially paralyzed on her right side, requiring two more months in the hospital.

“I could do nothing. I couldn’t move my foot. I was in a wheelchair,” she said.

After months of painful therapy, Tessa regained the ability to walk and today, she no longer requires a brace or even a cane. However, she still suffers from aphasia, which makes it difficult for her to communicate properly at times. She also cannot move her right hand and has weakness in her right leg… and sadly, Tessa can no longer read or write.

I invite you to go back and read Tessa’s quote at the top of this devotional. That’s right; despite her continued physical challenges, Tessa refuses to engage in self-pity. Instead, she sees her glass as half-full… and has compassion on others in worse shape than her.

As for the two-year-old stroke victim, his name is Chris Glading. Born right-handed, he taught himself to do everything left-handed… including writing, pitching, and shooting basketballs. That skill came in handy as he went on to earn varsity letters in three different sports, earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Summa Cum Laude honors, and launch a successful career as a fiduciary and licensed financial advisor. Chris also serves as the youth leader at his church and is on staff with Risk Takers for Christ.

Take it from Tessa and Chris. God can – and will – use your disabilities and other limitations for His glory!

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President