CT News Anchor Shares His Inspiring Recovery Story

NEW HAVEN, CT — LaSalle Blanks, a former 13News Now anchor in Virginia and a former member of the WTNH News-8 team in Connecticut, is sharing his inspiring story as he recovers from a stroke.

Blanks woke up Nov. 8, 2021, slurring his words. He wasn't able to stand up and had lost feeling on his left side. He was rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital, according to 13News Now. A paramedic told him at the time, if he hadn't gone to the hospital that morning, he would have been dead by that night.

Over time and with the help of medical professionals, Blanks has learned how to speak again, how to laugh again, and how to eat again. His therapists say that it's his competitive spirit that has driven his recovery.

Blanks grew up in Fairfield and began his reporting career in Lansing, Michigan. He later spent 20 years in Virginia before returning to Connecticut, starting with WTNH News-8 in March 2017. He has won three Emmy Awards along with several other broadcasting awards. The Laurel TV, which shared the 13News Now story on Blanks, reported that he is a former member of WTNH News 8.

Blanks said in his bio on WTNH News 8's website that he watched Bryant Gumbel host The Today show every morning before school.

"I was fascinated watching him interview world leaders and American leaders and it sparked something in me," he said.

Blanks is now able to walk again and works to regain his strength in his left side three days a week. He says his hope is to one day run again.

Read the full story at 13News Now.