‘Stay Funky’: Comedian Sinbad Praises God in Recovery From 2020 Stroke

Read time: 2 minutes 41 seconds

The family of comedian Sinbad released a statement updating fans about his road to recovery.

Sinbad became a star for his stand-up comedy specials, which led to several leading roles in movies including, “Houseguest” with Phil Hartman and the Christmas comedy “Jingle All the Way” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Sinbad suffered an ischemic stroke on Oct. 25, 2020, the result of a blood clot that made its way from his heart up to his brain. This required him to undergo “a thrombectomy to remove the clot and restore normal blood flow to the brain,” his family posted on the website they run to keep fans updated on his situation.

While he was recovering from the surgery, he suffered another blood clot the very next day. After having another surgery, the doctors said he was experiencing brain swelling. This led to a craniotomy to relieve the pressure on the brain. However, during the procedure, doctors would discover a brain bleed.

Sinbad was then rushed to an ICU where he would be put into 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,” the website states.

“It would be weeks before he would open his eyes, speak, or show signs of basic mobility. It wasn’t long before we realized he couldn’t move his left side or simply hold his head up. The more time passed the more the family learned how much had been lost.”

Yet things would begin to look up for the comedian when he was admitted to California Rehabilitation Institute in May 2021.

“On July 7, 2021, nearly nine months after the initial stroke, Sinbad finally came home. He continues to receive therapy, fighting for every inch. His progress is nothing short of remarkable. 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,” the family said.

“The family believes, without exception, Sinbad is here because of the multitude of prayers from all who know and love him. We are eternally grateful. Every outpouring of love and the memories of how he has touched all of you have not gone unheard, unseen or unfelt. Thank you. You have lifted his spirits along the way and inspired the entire family,” they conclude.

The website that the family made to communicate with fans also allowed Sinbad to personally give thanks to the One who has been with him through all of these trials.

“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.” {eoa}

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.