Robert and Mary Schindler (NRLC.org)

Robert Schindler, who led efforts to save the life of brain-disabled daughter Terri Schiavo, is in a hospital intensive care unit in Florida after suffering a stroke.

Doctors are trying to stabilize Schindler after the stroke Sunday and what may have been a residual stroke Tuesday, said his son, Bobby Schindler Jr.

Bobby Schindler told WND today his father has lost strength in his right side and his speech is slurred, but the cognitive part of his brain is functioning well, and he has no problem with memory.

"He had a good day yesterday and today," Bobby Schindler said. "As soon as he gets medically stable, they want to start him on rehab."

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During rehabilitation, he said, doctors will better be able to determine his father's long-term prognosis.

Bobby Schindler, his mother Mary and sister Suzanne Vitadamo have been by their father's side since Sunday.

"We're hanging in there," he said. "As you can imagine, it's been a tough week for us."

His sister, Terri Schiavo died March 31, 2005, two weeks after her feeding tube was removed by court order, ending more than a decade of bitter legal wrangling over her life between husband Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers, who insisted their daughter had a strong will to live.

The family has tried to keep news of Robert Schindler's illness quiet, but as word has leaked out, many e-mails and phone calls have come from well-wishers.

"He's been moved to tears" by the response, Bobby Schindler said of his father.

The family says cards can be sent to:

Robert Schindler
c/o The Terri Schiavo Foundation
562 Central Ave. # 2
St. Petersburg, FL 33707

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