In the face of unimaginable challenges, some individuals rise above and become a beacon of inspiration for others. Wes Stricklen’s story is one such example. From battling a debilitating autoimmune disorder to surviving a life-threatening heart condition, Wes's determination has not only transformed his life but also made a lasting impact on the lives of those around him. As a real estate professional, Wes remained committed to serving his clients, even as he fought for his life—it’s this fortitude that has shaped his extraordinary path of recovery and resilience.

 

“I was very bitter for a long time,” Wes described. “But I realized everybody has issues, everybody has something they’re dealing with in their life, and most of the time we don’t know what it is. It’s made me more patient, kinder, and empathetic to others also suffering. It not only completely changed me physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.”

 

On a fateful day in March 2018, Wes woke up to a world of uncertainty, his body paralyzed by what doctors ultimately attributed to an autoimmune disorder. Despite the overwhelming pain and physical limitations, Wes refused to let his condition hinder his real estate vocation. Even in the face of adversity, he sought to keep moving forward, attending to his client's needs, and finding innovative ways to fulfill his professional obligations.

 

“I would show houses in a wheelchair, or someone would walk beside me, and I would use a cane,” Wes recalled. “I just didn’t stop—I didn’t let it stop me. If a customer called, I found a way to get there. I continued to show houses and work, and in a way, it helped to keep my mind off my medical reality.”

 

Just a year into his paralysis, Wes faced yet another life-altering moment when he woke up to excruciating pain caused by a tear in his aorta, also known as an ascending aortic dissection. This condition required immediate open-heart surgery, which set his chances of survival at a mere three percent. However, the tenacity and faith that had defined Wes's journey thus far,  continued to carry him through. Against all odds, he not only survived the operation but inexplicably took his first steps in a year, following the surgery.

 

“Now I can raise my arms, I have no pain anymore,” Wes explained.“I play golf, I ride my motorcycle—it’s all gone, and the doctors have no answers. It taught me that nothing in life is  guaranteed and caused me to really appreciate every day.”

 

Despite enduring four additional heart surgeries in 2019 alone, Wes's dedication to his real estate clients never faltered. Even from his hospital bed, he continued to close deals, while his wife, Renee, acted as his trusted partner in the real estate business. Wes's perseverance, coupled with his wife's steadfast support, ensured that their clients received exceptional service, often without realizing the challenges the Stricklen family was personally facing.

 

“My wife is my number one supporter,” Wes shared. “People don’t realize how hard it is on the caregiver. All of the times I couldn’t move, she was the one who helped me up, helped me bathe, all of those things. She would drive from Shands [Hospital] in Gainesville to show a house on my behalf, and then to go to the closing, and the client never knew I was in the hospital.”

 

Throughout his challenging journey, Wes attributes his resilience to his resolute faith and the support of his loved ones, friends, and colleagues. From the prayers and outreach of their church community to the overwhelming presence of nearly 30 individuals who waited with his family during his surgeries, he discovered the true meaning of friendship. The outpouring of support from his real estate peers further highlighted for him the compassion and camaraderie within the industry. With his community's prayers and encouragement, Wes was able to walk his daughter Rebecca down the aisle following his paralysis and later his daughter Tabitha following his surgeries. 

 

“I was extremely blessed to have my wife, my family and my friends that took their time to sit with me during those days, as sometimes that’s all you need—just somebody there,” Wes described.“Many, many people from real estate reached out. I won’t ever forget that.”

 

Wes's journey has also become a source of inspiration for others. As part of his own healing journey, he joined an open-heart surgery forum on Facebook, where he actively seeks out opportunities to encourage and support individuals facing similar challenges. His firsthand experience and empathetic nature allow him to provide a guiding light to friends and strangers across the globe. By sharing his own story and offering words of encouragement, Wes finds solace in helping others navigate their journeys.

 

 “You go through ups and downs and the depression is very real,” Wes shared. “It’s really hard at the beginning when you come out of open-heart surgery  because you can’t do anything if you’re in pain all the time. When I hear people that are going through stuff, my main advice is to find a way to find peace and happiness and force yourself to keep moving.”