Sen. Kirk released from rehabilitation center

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk’s family announced today he has been released from his rehabilitation center and is now recovering at home with the help of relatives.

Kirk suffered a stroke in January and two days later underwent brain surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He’s now progressed to the point he could be released, according to the family.

The family statement says Kirk will continue work on his recovery as an outpatient at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and has begun a rigorous walking study program to further his mobility and independence while maintaining his schedule with staff.

“We are grateful for the wonderful doctors and personnel at the RIC for their care of Mark, and to the residents of Illinois who have given him privacy and time to heal,” Kirk’s family says in the statement. “We also thank everyone who has shared their prayers and wishes for his return to the U.S. Senate as soon as possible.”