Sinbad 'Has Already Beaten The Odds', Learning To Walk Again After Stroke 2 Years Ago

Sinbad's family recently shared an update on the comedian's health on Instagram two years after he suffered an ischemic stroke. Along with a photo of Sinbad, born David Atkins, 66, is a caption that explains that he's learning to walk again.

"Sinbad appreciates all the love and support you have shown him over the last two years," the caption his family wrote starts out. "Many of you have asked for updates and if there is anything Sinbad needs or what you can do to help. As a result, the family has created a site where you can keep up to date with his progress and also provide an avenue for those who wish to give." The caption concluded by saying information where people can help is in the link in the bio and, "Stay funky, stay blessed.”

On The Journey Forward page, Sinbad's story is shared. "On October 25, 2020, Sinbad suffered an ischemic stroke as a result of a blood clot that traveled from his heart to his brain," the statement reads. It goes on to explain that he was rushed into surgery and doctors performed a thrombectomy to remove the clot. "After surgery, Sinbad was talking and moving with some weakness, but the prognosis was very promising. The next day, however, another blood clot formed, half the size of the first. He underwent the same surgery again successfully but it took a little more from him than the first surgery."

After surgery, his brain began to swell. A craniotomy was performed to relieve pressure and reduce the swelling. "During surgery, however, the doctors discovered a bleed," the story continued. "It was hours before the family learned Sinbad had returned to the Neuro-ICU in a medically induced coma and placed on a ventilator. Our hearts were devastated. The road to recovery became unclear and extremely difficult for the family to navigate."

On November 16, 2020, the family shared the news on Sinbad's Instagram page.

It was weeks before Sinbad opened his eyes and showed signs of basic mobility. The family realized quickly that he wasn't able to move his left side or hold his head up. "For the next several months, Sinbad moved through acute care facilities where he was weaned off the ventilator and eventually cleared to start intense therapy," his family updated on the website. "In May of 2021, he was admitted to California Rehabilitation Institute and began physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It was there Sinbad started to make considerable progress toward recovery."

Nearly nine months after the initial stroke, Sinbad was finally able to go home. "He continues to receive therapy, fighting for every inch. His progress is nothing short of remarkable," the website reads. " Limbs that were said to be 'dead' are coming alive and he’s taking the steps necessary to learn to walk again. In his own words, 'I am not done. I will not stop fighting until I can walk across the stage again.' And neither will we."

In December 2020, the family shared a video update on Sinbad's Instagram page. "On behalf of our dad, Sinbad, our mom, Meredith, our sister, Gem, and the entire Adkins family, we wanted to take a moment to give everyone an update regarding our dad’s health. We are happy to report that he continues to recover and is getting better every single day," the caption began.

They go on to thank everyone, from the doctors to his fans. "We end, now, with a few words directly from the man himself —'I have seen first hand how hard our medical workers are working during COVID and cannot stress enough how much we must appreciate them. We can show this appreciation by simply wearing a mask. Thank God for everything He’s given you, even if it’s not everything you asked for. Thank God for family and hug the ones you love while you’re still with them. We need each other to get through this journey. I can’t wait to see you all again soon. As always, stay funky, stay prayed up!'"

Sinbad has already beaten the odds and has made progress beyond expectations, but there is still a long way to go for him. The costs of therapy exceed what insurance covers and it's taken a toll on the family financially, so they set up a site where people can contribute, with all gifts received going to the Adkins Trust to provide for Sinbad's ongoing care.

At the bottom of the website in big print is a message from Sinbad, "Thank God for everything He's given you, even if it's not everything you asked for. Thank God for family and hug the ones you love while you're still with them. We need each other to get through this journey. I can't wait to see you all again soon. As always, stay funky, stay prayed up."