Friends Welcome Home a Fort Collins Stroke Survivor with a Car Parade

Fort Collins resident John Runkles, 38, received quite the welcome home when he returned from the hospital on Thursday (April 2).

Over 24 cars flooded Remington Street with balloons, signs, and other decorations that afternoon to celebrate his return.

According to The Coloradoan, Runkles had a serious stroke on March 11 caused by a blood clot on the left side of his brain.

He spent almost a week in intensive care at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, before being transferred to Craig Hospital for two weeks of rehab.

He returned home last week, with his wife, children, and tons of friends waiting for him.

Doctors expect that he will make a full recovery, but anticipate it being up to a year before he is fully back to normal.

Family members set up a GoFundMe page to help with Runkles' recovery costs. People have already donated over $15,000.

"I felt so thankful that we have so many friends and family that love us," said his wife, Tasha, to The Coloradoan. "We felt so loved."