Golf program helps teen Vinny Mercurio recover from stroke

Vinny Mercurio’s miraculous tale of survival is now measured in more modest but no less important steps.

After suffering a hemorrhagic stroke on Nov. 12, 2017, the now-13-year-old eighth grader at North Royalton Middle School once had his progress marked by major milestones.

Twenty-six days in Cleveland Clinic’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, 26 more on the hematology floor, 77 at the clinic’s Children’s Rehabilitation Center. Ten weeks of outpatient rehab. March 6, 2018 — the day he came out of his minimally conscious state and began talking again.

Now Mercurio pushes forward with smaller goals and rewards — popcorn at the Winking Lizard, money for video games, a Fitbit.

Recording his first birdie in golf doesn’t serve as the same kind of motivation, although it’s a desirable thrill he nearly experienced earlier this month.

Northern Ohio Golf Charities help Vinny get in…