david karchem

In 1964, I developed software to test the prototype Voyager spacecraft, then later programmed computers and managed software development in the Data Management, Entertainment and Healthcare Industries. I earned a B.A. in Social Science and Economics at UC Irvine in 1985.

My life passions are learning about bio-engineering solutions, the history of human technologies and the Lewis & Clark Expeditions, working as a soccer referee, reading science fiction, running model trains, watching my children and grandchildren develop into amazing people.

On May 19, 2009, I had a right-brain ischemic stroke; then had surgery to relieve the bleeding from three large three blood clots – which resulted in left-sided hemiplegia and some related cognitive issues (mid-line imbalance, vision processing speed, object recognition, focus and depth perception impacts), memory and swallowing issues. I spent six weeks recovering in Northridge Acute Rehabilitation Hospital. About one year later, I fainted while standing up due to a major drop in blood pressure, probably caused by over-medication, fell and broke my hip; then had a partial hip replacement.

After six months of traditional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and intensive self-work with computer-assisted brain function and vision processing computer programs, I recovered my driving privileges; then participated in six weeks of occupational robotic training at Rancho Los Amigos, using the Interactive Motion Shoulder and Arm Robot. After 13 sessions I began mentoring other pitients.

Since then, I’ve been actively pursuing therapies and activities that would help me regain my physical and cognitive functionality.

When I talk to other stroke survivors, I ensure they know that they have to take control of their rehabilitation, and that there are therapies and new devices that might help them. Next, I tell them to never give up working on themselves. It takes time to heal. I try not to focus on what I can’t do; rather I concentrate on what I can do. With new technology that is being developed and the new therapies on the horizon, the way I am today is not how I am going to be in a few years.” I try everything that is available with the philosophy that if it helps stimulate my brain its probably good for me.

I earned my M.S. in Assistive Technology in Dec., 2014.

I volunteer and work at USC Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Division supporting research projects.