Robert Kapen was an athletic college student studying Parks and Rec and working part-time at an outdoor Young Life camp when his life turned upside down. In the summer of 2011, a mystery virus caused a bilateral stroke that left him suddenly paralyzed and unable to speak. With his mind fully functioning but no ability to move or communicate verbally, Robert felt trapped in his own body.

Over the next 8 years, Robert diligently engaged in speech, physical, and occupational therapies. When he was moved to a rehab facility located near the workplace of his friend, Nelly, she began visiting him regularly to brighten his day. As Robert’s communication developed from blinking to texting, his friendship with Nelly also blossomed into a relationship and eventually marriage. This week on the podcast, Robert and Nelly are sharing their story of God’s generous provision through seasons of disability, recovery, marriage, and caregiving. And as Robert approaches his 10-year anniversary of paralysis, he is thrilled that in God’s providence, he has found his voice to record his first podcast interview alongside Nelly!

Resources:

Visit Robert's Website

Find Robert on Instagram  and Facebook

Watch Joni and Ken's Marriage Advice for Caregiving: As an inter-abled couple, caregiving has brought Ken and Joni Eareckson closer together. Joni shares that it's not out of duty that Ken takes care of her needs, but out of devotion to Jesus.

When Disability Challenges Your Marriage: Listen Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada share the importance of communication and offer practical advice for other couples in a caregiving marriage.

Love, Marriage, and Disability: Kevin and Jamie Stark share what it really means for any couple to say “for better, for worse…in sickness and in health…till death do us part.” 

Find a Joni and Friends Marriage Getaway near you!

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*Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Join us in answering the call in Luke 14:21-23... until his house is full! 

Founded by author and international disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada, the ministry provides Christ-centered care that serves needs and transforms hearts through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, and Retreats and Getaways. Joni and Friends also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses and internships through the Christian Institute on Disability. Find more encouragement through Joni's radio podcast, daily devotional, or by following us on Facebook,  Instagram, and YouTube.

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.