Carl Ferguson was 40 years old when his life changed forever. The day his mother died, he suffered a massive stroke that left him in a coma for nearly a month and without the use of his left side. Doctors told his family he wouldn’t make it, and if he did, he’d never be the same.
“They told my brothers and sisters to prepare to pull the plug,” says Ferguson, a U.S. Marine veteran of Operation Desert Storm. “They didn’t expect me to come back.”
But Ferguson did come back. More than a decade later, the Muskegon resident has rebuilt his life and now works to help others do the same. As a board member of Disability Network West Michigan, Ferguson supports the organization that helped him regain his footing after his stroke.
“It was hard accepting what happened to me,” he says. “I couldn’t work, I couldn’t use my arm. I was in a wheelchair. It was like everything I had was gone.”
Ferguson was in a medically induced coma for 28 days as doctors tried to reduce the pressure from bleeding in his brain. When he woke up, he was paralyzed on the left side of his body. He was forced to leave his job at a manufacturing company just six months after being hired.
Fortunately, he wasn’t alone.
“My oldest daughter, Tiera, who was a freshman at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, took a year off from college, stayed in Michigan, and handled all my affairs, like paying my bills,” he says. “So I didn't lose my apartment and had it to return to when I got out of the nursing home after six months.”
Still, depression and doubt crept in quickly.
“When you're not the same, the pressure starts to set in,” he says. “It was a dark time.”
A new opportunity
But then, a letter from the state of Michigan offered him a chance to return to school through a two-for-one degree program. He had already earned an associate degree at Muskegon Community College after his previous employer closed and offered a retraining package. Encouraged by the opportunity, Ferguson enrolled at Ferris State University, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
“I dedicated that degree to my mom,” he says. “She always believed in me.”
The physical recovery was grueling. Ferguson progressed from a wheelchair to a walker, then a cane, before eventually walking across the stage to receive his diploma, unassisted.
“That was my goal, to cross that stage without help. And I did it,” he says.
Throughout his recovery, Ferguson leaned on the support of physical therapists and rehabilitation centers throughout Muskegon County. He also traveled to Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids for additional services.
But his connection with Disability Network West Michigan provided the support and encouragement he needed to reenter the workforce and rebuild his confidence. He worked with
Karen Wynne, benefits planning specialist (certified work incentive counselor) at DNWM. Wynne helps individuals receiving Social Security disability benefits understand how employment will affect their financial and medical resources.
“I have gained knowledge from Carl sharing his experiences with me,” Wynne says. “He is a determined and outgoing individual. I’m grateful that I have had the opportunity to know him.”
Ferguson says Disability Network gave him the tools and confidence to keep moving forward.
“Disability Network was a godsend,” Ferguson says. “They guided me step by step through applying for Social Security, understanding my options, and helping me see I still had value. Karen walked me through everything.”
The organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for people with disabilities in Muskegon and surrounding counties. For Ferguson, it was more than just a service provider; it became a lifeline.
“When you're trying to get back out there, mentally it's tough,” he says. “They gave me hope. If they didn’t have the answer, they found someone who did. They never left me hanging.”
Back in the workforce
He began to apply for jobs again, eventually working with Community enCompass, where he helped individuals experiencing homelessness find housing. He later worked at the Boys and Girls Club before becoming a greeter at Meijer, where he has been for over a year.
“I didn’t think I’d enjoy it at first,” Ferguson says. “I felt like I wasn’t using my degree. But I talk to people, sometimes make their day, and it gives me purpose.”
Ferguson’s journey came full circle when he was invited to join the board of Disability Network West Michigan. He quickly accepted.
“I didn’t blink. I owe so much to them,” he says. “Everyone there genuinely cares. They’re doing real work, connecting people to what they need, and changing lives.”
Now, he uses his story to encourage others, especially during Stroke Awareness Month.
“I tell people: get your checkups, stay active, and don’t give up,” he says. “I still train at the gym three days a week. I may never get full use of my arm back, but I’m here. I live alone, I drive, I work. You just have to deal with the hand you’re dealt, and make something of it.”
Will Wilson, CEO of Disability Network of West Michigan, says Ferguson’s perspective as a former client is valuable.
“His experiences help speak to any gaps in our services we need to fill as well as barriers in the community we need to address,” Wilson says. “Carl is a very strong self-advocate for West Michigan and specifically for veterans.”
Ferguson, now 54, speaks proudly of his four daughters, all of whom attended college.
“Tiera went back and finished school,” he notes. “She graduated after her twin sister because she wouldn't leave my side.”
However, he still feels the loss of his mother deeply. She was his greatest supporter and confidante.
“I was 42, and she still treated me like I was 12,” he says, laughing. “She was the matriarch of the family. I didn’t grow up until she passed.”
He believes she would be proud of the life he’s rebuilt. “I talk to her every day like she’s still here,” he says. “God gave me another chance, and I’m doing my best to use it to help others.”
The multi-regional Disability Inclusion series is made possible through a partnership with Centers for Independent Living organizations across West Michigan.