‘Miraculous’ update offered on Gulfport councilman who suffered brain bleed
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Councilman Ron Roland continues recovery eight weeks after brain hemorrhage.
- Family reports ICU release and gradual strength gain toward full recovery.
- Roland plans to rejoin Gulfport City Council, restoring full seven-member body.
Gulfport Councilman Ron Roland is making a “miraculous recovery” from a fall that caused him to have an intracerebral hemorrhage, or brain bleed, almost eight weeks ago, his son Justin Roland said Thursday.
Although he’s still under medical care, Ron Roland is anxious to return to civic life. On Thursday, his son said, the councilman really wanted to go to his Gulfport Rotary Club meeting.
“There’s nothing short of a miracle here,” Justin Roland said. “We’re so hopeful for what appears to be a very full recovery.”
The family, including son Preston Roland and daughter Jessica Dragan, also offered a Facebook update on their father’s progress.
“We are encouraged to share that Ron is now out of the ICU and continues to move forward in his recovery,” it said. “We kindly ask that visitation remain limited to allow Ron the rest and focus he needs. We will continue to keep you updated along the way.”
In addition, Justin Roland told the Sun Herald his dad is getting stronger every day. “I still get chills every time I think about how far we’ve come,” Roland said.
He said his father is planning to return to the City Council, which has seven members. With only six council members currently active, votes can sometimes be tied.
“He tells me over and over he loves what he does and he’s ready to get back,” Justin Roland said.
Roland’s wife, Libby Milner Roland, previously served Ward 2 on the council, but died of cancer in 2014.