Former Gov. Tom Ridge discharged from hospital, begins rehab therapy

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, who suffered a stroke on June 16, was discharged Sunday from a Washington, D.C., area hospital to begin rehabilitation therapy, according to a Ridge spokesman.

In a statement Monday, Ridge spokesman Steve Aaron said the former governor had been “immediately transferred” to a rehabilitation facility in the Washington, D.C. area Sunday afternoon and “continues to make steady progress.”

Aaron declined to comment further on Ridge’s condition.

“Tom wants everyone to know how much he appreciates all those who have reached out to offer their prayers, words of encouragement and love,” said former Pennsylvania First Lady Michele Ridge, in the statement. “It means so much to all of us. Tom hasn’t lost his sense of humor nor his determination as he begins this important therapy. We are grateful for all of the wonderful healthcare professionals who have and will continue to help us along his path to recovery.”

Ridge, 75, suffered a stroke on June 16 at his home in Bethesda, Md. He was conscious when he arrived at the hospital emergency room. Doctors later successfully removed the blood clot that caused the stroke.

Ridge, originally from Erie, was governor of Pennsylvania from 1995 until resigning in 2001 to be the nation’s first Homeland Security advisor. He became the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in 2003 and held that post until 2005.