At just 41 years old, Cindy-Lee Sylvester was living life at full pace – working full-time, running, and doing what she loved. Then, on the 2nd of February 2026, everything changed in an instant. Cindy suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage – a sudden, serious bleed on the brain – requiring emergency surgery to give her the best chance of recovery.
The aftermath was overwhelming. Cindy developed weakness down her left side, struggled with balance and coordination, and faced some difficulties with memory and concentration. A woman who had been entirely self-sufficient just days before now needed help with the most basic daily tasks and could no longer move around on her own.
When she arrived at Faircape Health Institute Somerset West for sub-acute rehabilitation, her team assessed her level of independence – she scored 48 out of 100, reflecting severe dependence. It was a difficult place to begin. But from the very first day, Cindy’s spirit made one thing abundantly clear: she was determined to get her life back.
Her neurological rehabilitation programme was built entirely around her needs – covering everything from physiotherapy and balance training to cognitive rehabilitation – ensuring every aspect of her recovery was given the attention it deserved. Her interdisciplinary team (IDT) worked alongside her every step of the way, and Cindy met them with remarkable motivation and commitment at every session.
The results speak for themselves. In just 35 days, Cindy achieved a perfect independence score of 100 out of 100. She walked out of Faircape Health Institute unaided, covering more than 200 metres on her own, climbing stairs safely, and navigating the world around her with confidence.
Cindy’s recovery is a powerful reminder that with the right care, the right team, and the kind of determination that simply refuses to give up, extraordinary things are possible.
Are you or a loved one in need of sub-acute rehabilitation or neurological recovery support?
Faircape Health Institute offers expert, compassionate care across six locations in the Western Cape.
Get in touch with our team today.
