Kirk Makes First Visit to Senate Office Since Stroke

llinois' junior senator plans to return to Capitol Hill on Jan. 2

Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk briefly returned to his Senate office this week, his aides said Friday.

The 53-year-old lawmaker's visit, his first since suffering a stroke in January, lasted for about a half hour Thursday, his office said.

Aides said the state's junior senator met with them to discuss his anticipated return to work when the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3.

Kirk will return to Capitol Hill the day prior.

The stroke limited movement on the left side of Kirk's body and affected his speech. He underwent emergency surgery and has since had treatment including vigorous experimental therapy with longer workouts than usual for stroke victims.

Last month, Kirk made his first public appearance since the stroke, climbing 37 floors inside Chicago's Willis Tower as part of a charity event.

"I hope this gives a message to people across Illinois that may face stroke,” Kirk said during his first post-stroke interview at the Rehab Institute of Chicago’s Stair Climb at Willis Tower.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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