Sen. Mark Kirk Well Enough to Return Home 3 Months after Stroke - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, who suffered a stroke in January, is going home, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kirk (R-Ill.), 52, had been hospitalized since Jan. 21 but was making brisk progress and was actively involved in a rehab program.

His family released a statement Thursday saying he had left the hospital and would be staying with relatives.

"We are happy to say that after suffering a stroke in January, Mark has progressed to the point where he can move home with his family," the statement says. "He will continue to work on his recovery as an out-patient at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. He has begun a rigorous walking study program to further his mobility and independence while maintaining his schedule with staff.

The statement continued: "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. We also thank everyone who has shared their prayers and wishes for his return to the U.S. Senate as soon as possible."

In the days after his stroke, Kirk underwent emergency surgery that included the temporary removal of part of his skull to allow for swelling. In February, he moved from a hospital to the rehabilitation center.

Besides his exercises, he has held frequent meetings at the center with visiting staff and congressional colleagues.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)