Jerseygirl
If I have two strokes.
Tell Your Story is dedicated to sharing the stories of faces of aphasia. From caregivers to individuals to the speech-language pathologists that treat aphasia, this feature is designed to capture their stories.
Stroke/Aphasia doesn’t define me
I first had a Stroke 13 yrs ago.Fortunately I was treated rapidly and was lucky to have no lasting effects.Unfortunately just over 3 Months ago I was driving back from…
A long road to recovery
I developed aphasia after suffering from 3 strokes, thought by doctors to be the result of varicella-zoster (shingles). I am learning how to stand, walk, and talk again. My family…
Starting Over
If I could describe Aphasia in one word, it would be (challenging. February 16, 2012 is a day I would like to forget but I can’t because we live with…
I am story
I am 12 November1970. I am 6 June 2015 Stroke, aphasia. Aphasia can affect all form of languages- speak, listen, read and writing. I am bed, chairwalk, and I am…
the ONE… the GOOFY
I am John. John Malone (aka the GOOFY) The year of 2015, I was working in oil. I was a “big” man working for the job. I was just working…
Brain 🧠 injury and a special dog.
I am now we’ll into my 70s with a long history of TBIs and ABI. Born in 1948. Born with lack took to the brain I was born 3 months…
getting positive regarding aphasia
each day brings new challenges but meeting those challenges is what my beloved husband most deserves. This illness has changed both of us for the better. Each day brings us…
My Aphasia Story
It was 3 years ago (July 2020). I was on a bicycle for a ride. It was warm out. It was just a normal day. And then I fell. I…
My Aphasia Story
I was first diagnosed with PPA in 2019. I got a second opinion in 2021 because I had gotten worse and my language and handwriting had gotten worse. I told…
The sound of silence is deafening
0n Jan 16, 2023, my husband suffered a cryptogenic large vessel stroke. He is learning to live with multiple challenges, the largest being aphasia. In his eyes I can see…
My Life With Aphasia
I developed Aphasia following a traumatic brain injury that resulted from a very heavy iron coat rack slamming into the top of my head in March 2019. I struggle to…
My Second Chance Litterally
I had my stroke 08/19/2020 when COVID some what started. I was at work in a hospital room and out of no where the complete right side of my body…
My Stroke Story – I have aphasia
I have aphasia following a stroke in September 2022. I’d never heard of aphasia before. I was unable to talk. The hospital was busy and the communication team provided me…
Sherry’s Journey
Hi everyone! My name is Sherry. Five years ago, I had a stroke that resulted in me having aphasia. I understand everything that is said to me, I just have…
A Marathon Through Aphasia
Frustration. I know I want to talk but I cannot speak myself and I have two or three ways to express my meaning. Such as, I use my iPhone to…
The Event of My Story
My name is Ricky. I am thirty seven years old. I was a computer programmer. I love basketball and working out. I have two brothers, Mark and Dave. My stroke…
My Aphasia
My name is Bernice. I am 78 years old. I have four sons, Dean, Chad, Kelly and Steven. I had a massive stroke on the 12th of December, 2012. I…
MY APHASIA
My name is Sam. I was stationed in Japan when I had my stroke. I had a massive headache that lasted for five days. I was confused with loss of…
Determination
While having chai with a friend and my wife high in the mountains of India, I started talking gibberish. Doctors at the local hospital told me I had a cerebral…
Aphasiology
I was 17 years old, when i had a stroke, My life was stopped ,see I have dreamed in My comatose state. My doctors told my father your daughter will…
Aphasia-a disorder that no one has heard of
My name is Tom Broussard, three-time stroke survivor called “Johnny Appleseed of Aphasia Awareness.” Aphasia affects about two million people and is more common than Parkinson’s Disease, cerebral palsy or…
Sam’s Story
I’m Sam Cohen and I had a massive stroke. When I was 22 years old, I had a blood clot, which reached all the way to my brain. I went…
Patients and Stregnth
Age 42 my husband suffered a stroke from disection of his carotid artery five years ago. He sufferes with Aphasia and Apraxia. Each new progress foward becomes a new norm…
My journey
Hi, I am Jerry. I had a massive stroke at the young age of 59 upon waking up from a nap. I was paralyzed on my whole right side. Thankfully,…
RELENTLESS
Acceptance. I had suffered a massive ischemic stroke and resulting aphasia. I had to accept what happened, what it meant, how bad it was, and that it wasn’t going to…
Be Positive!
I am John. I like everything, especially the movies. I love writing, producing and directing. I produced for Edmonton Public Schools and the Stollery Children’s Hospital. I love my work.…
Broken Pieces
Before, I used to be a whole, but now I feel crushed. I felt like a whole person before my stroke. After the stroke, I felt like my brain and…
Walking with Suzanne
Walking with Suzanne, Suzanne fell over her favourite blind dog in February 2013. She hit the arm of the couch, under the chin. Knocked out! She was involved in a…
May 2009 Stroke
Mike Caputo -50 years Stroke Voices of Hope for Aphasia/Founders St. Peterburg,Fl./ Fun!!
My story of Aphasia
I suffered a major stroke at 2008, I was 28 at work too. I got the biggest pain at my head. Trying to move myself better but I fall over…
My Life Now
My story…. I am 28 years old. I had a stroke back in December, because I had an AVM that ruptured. I am so glad I’m normal(a little). I just…
The Art of Aphasia
My friend Tim is very smart. He is fun and creative and kind too. He plays music, creates new games, writes software code, and is an amazing artist. One day,…
This is my story
My wife and I just started unpacking our suitcases from our vacation. I told her I had a headache, so she told me to go lay down and take a…
70% and Still Improving
Originally after my stroke, I couldn’t say anything or do much at all. I remember I couldn’t write in full sentences, just bullets. However, even 10 years after my stroke…
Loyola Clinical Centers
People with aphasia who attend group treatment at the Loyola Clinical Centers in Baltimore and Columbia, Maryland shared their thoughts during Aphasia Awareness Month: Difficult – “Aphasia is difficult. It…
Rick’s Story – Wife’s Perspective
This is a Finding Words story! The following is Rick’s more detailed story, written by his wife Stephanie: It was Sunday of Thanksgiving Weekend, and I was raking leaves with…
My Aphasia, My Transformation
This is a Finding Words story! 4 years ago, the man I used to be had a stroke; little words have spoken… self-esteem, old self, happiness- were shot to pieces.…
Personal Battle
This is a Finding Words story! Patronize. The most frustrating part of having aphasia is when doctors and nurses patronize me. They do not understand aphasia and don’t want to…
Two Year Survivor
This is a Finding Words story! I had a stroke almost two years ago. I was in the hospital for two weeks. One week at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in…
Singing with my Grandson
This is a Finding Words story! I got aphasia one day after surgery. I was in the hospital for four months before I could start communicating. Doctors helped me slowly…
Philadelphia Hospital Magee
This is a Finding Words story! I go to Magee to talk about Aphasia. I was treated at the following programs: The Harvard , 8 weeks 2-1 hour The Columbia…
Keep Singing
This is a Finding Words story! I have aphasia because I had a stroke. Betsy is my wife and she is nice. I love her. I have always loved to…
Uma’s voice
This is a Finding Words story! My husband is writing this. 9 years ago at age 27 I was a newly engaged professional actor visiting my fiance in New York.…
Dr. Edgar Alster – An Advocate and Fighter – Learning To Speak Again
This is a Finding Words story! Dr. Edgar Alster suffered a stroke in 2012 and upon waking from a coma, could not speak, had no mobility and could not feed…
Love Story through Aphasia
This is a Finding Words story! On June 28th 2015 my husband had a severe GI bleed and was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he suffered a stroke.…
Dean’s and Cristina’s Story
This is a Finding Words story! I had a major stroke about 4-1/2 years ago. I have Aphasia. It was New Year’s morning that’s the last day before all ended.…
A LIFE CHANGING MORNING
This is a Finding Words story! I woke up one morning and discovered that my wife Kay had suffered a stroke during the night. It was a life changing event.…
Stress not to be understood
This is a Finding Words story! I had a medical induced stroke due to a medical error causing blood vessel in my brain to shut down. The termed is called…
Slow to get people to understand you
This is a Finding Words story! What can I say,it is very aggravating trying to communicate with people,but if you are lucky enough to find someone not in a big…
Shouting in the wind
This is a Finding Words story! I survivor 7 stroke/TIA mixes. August 2012 had 2 stroke in 2 weeks affect right carotid artery. I got mild Aphasia but no help…
Benefit Coordinate
Aphasia and language. Text, read, … 3/15/15. Coma and 3/18/15. Right arm.
Lisa’s Story
On Saturday in August of 2010, I was going places. I went to McDonalds but couldn’t talk to order my food. Then I drove to my parents home in Winter…
Richard’s Story
This is after my stroke on Dec 22, 09. I was in rehab for 6 months. I couldn’t talk or walk at that time. Today I can walk with a…
Karen’s & Steve’s Story
My life changed at 5AM, May 20, 2011, when Karen had a stroke. People stopped talking to her, and I had a hard time understanding her at times. It is…
Michael’s & Susan’s Story
My husband’s name is Michael Wasnorowicz. He had a stroke Feb 17, 2014 while already in the hospital. He still has problems talking but is getting better all the time.…
Bill’s Story
I ahd a stroke on Sept. 24, 2000 while I was in my morning shower. My wife immediately recognized it as a stroke and called 911. When I was in…
Joyce’s & Stan’s Story
Had my stroke on a cruise ship Jan.2, 2009, at the age of 65. Spent 1 week in Puerto Rico in Cagus Hospital. Flew home to Lakeland, FL. Went to…
What a change of lifestile…!
On the morning of January 17th, 2013, when being inside my house with my wife, I suffered a sudden massive stroke. Before suffering the stroke, I worked from home. I…
Paul’s Story
My name is Paul. I can’t talk very well. I had a stroke in 2013. I couldn’t talk for 4 months. When I did talk the therapist told me to…
Hercules Story
I woke up December 1998 and could not talk. I thought I had laurengitis. I went to work and worked 10 hours. We came to Winter Haven Hospital and when…
An SLP Graduate Student’s Experience
I am a speech-language pathology graduate student at Jacksonville University and am currently taking a course on aphasia. My professor’s extensive knowledge and compassion has poured over to her students,…
Young Amazing Aphasic Edwin
Back 2013, September 3th, I and my friends, who DJs also decided to party at Gatundu town, at a gig invited to DJ. Then day came and we hearded there.…
Aphasic turned SLP
When I was 16 years old, I was in a terrible car Accident and had a traumatic brain injury affecting the left side of my brain. Because of my TBI,…
Me and My Aphasia
The first time Aphasia came to my life in didn’t no what it caled, I had just had my 4th and 5th strokes in 2 weeks August 2012. We living…
You don’t need words to communicate love!
I was a CNA working my way through nursing school and did home care with Russ. Russ had a major stroke that left him with some expressive aphasia. When we…
Redefining Ed.
Ed’s life was all about sports. From seeing his first World Series in elementary school to playing basketball, soccer, running track, and skiing through high school, his love of all…
My Mom’s Journey
On August 26, 2008, just 2 weeks short of her 75th birthday, my mother, Ollie Baljkas, suffered a triple infarction CVA, a stroke that damaged 2 of the speech centres…
Aphasia Fight
My name is Chris Conlon, and Brain Stroke at Dec 28, 2012. My age is a 38 years. My run is Iceland Marathon is August 23, 2014….
Getting Better All The Time
My name is Wayne Pifer. I had a stroke on Christmas Eve in 2009. I was 54 years old. I lived in North Carolina. I was in the hospital and…
My Recovery
My name is Debbie. Before the stroke, I worked at Rec. and Parks doing many different things. I worked in both the office and the yards. I was the busy…
One Day at a Time
I had a stroke 20 years ago. I was only 36 years old. I was in a coma for 1 month. One day I heard Patti LaBelle singing “Somewhere Over…
Living with aphasia
I had my stroke in 2010 which ended many things in life including work. The stroke affected my right hand and right foot and speech. Typing with both hands and…
Living with Aphasia and Recovery
My name is Dannie and I have aphasia. I go to SCALE (Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement) on 1 day a week in Baltimore, Maryland. I am from Winnipeg,…
The game of Charades
My husband had a stoke just over 3 years ago and we have been living with aphasia ever since. At times aphasia feels like the 3rd person in our marriage.…
Empowering to communicate
I enjoy working with adults who have aphasia because each new patient is a puzzle requiring me to find the most efficient and effective method of communication, I love this…
my new life with aphasia
This is my new life with Aphasia This is my new life with aphasia. My hemorrhagic stroke happened on May 19th 2011. I am now 54. How amazing it…
Aphasia can’t…
I wasn’t quite sure what to check to describe my connection to aphasia…I’m a speech-language pathologist (SLP), a caregiver, and a loved one connected to aphasia. In my 25+ years…
Finding Meaning Again
There are endless reasons why being a speech-language pathologist is a rewarding career. In fact, there are far too many to name. But perhaps the biggest reward is when you…
Outrageous for Aphasia
I’m Denise and I have aphasia. I attend the Adler Aphasia Center in New Jersey. I decided that we need more activities, so we started the club Outrageous for Aphasia.…
Working with stroke survivors
In 2005, I found myself working with several stroke survivors as a Speech Language Pathologist. One stroke survivor in particular would frequently ask the questions “Am I the only one…
Continuing to Learn
I am Alex and I am aphasic. I was the Director of Environmental Health for Cochise County, in southern Arizona. I want to talk about aphasia and continuing to try…
FIRE DREAMS
FIRE DREAMS Voices for Adventurer, Architect and Aphasiac I have aphasia since 2006. I know it is ironic that my lack of language inspired my story. You do not want…
My Stroke Story
Dec. 6 1998 I went out blowing leaves and I had my stroke. I was standing up on a contraption that pushed leaves in a pile. The stroke felt like…
Writing Group at Aphasia Center of Tucson
We are the Writing 200 Group from the Aphasia Center of Tucson. We want to write sentences. It’s hard to come up with names. This semester, we wrote stories about…
WWII Veteran: 336 Harbor Craft Company
I graduated high school in 1942. Eight months later I joined the Army. First, in Engineers group and then I went to Michigan to join the Military Police group. I…
It was a Saturday morning…
On August 18, 2012, Ellie Mae (My dog.) and I went for a walk. It was a Saturday morning. Suddenly, I had a stroke. The ambulance arrived quickly and took…
Aphasia Touches
Aphasia touched ME! More like, Aphasia SMACKED ME, but back to a new REALITY. My life was somewhat simple after my divorce. I was straightening that mess first. My stroke…
Many Whoeos
Less thas who words….I That the first gut the writhe about this (Bill Jamison) My Story
My Aphasia Story
My name is Carolina Ulloa. I have aphasia and I am from Colombia. My native language is Spanish. My story begins a little bit before my stroke. I lived in…
My Life with Aphasia after Stroke: My New “Love Language”
We were going to Mexico, first family vacation. With my husband’s parents on April 8, 2001. I was 31 years old, my son was 4, my daughter was 3, and…
Clinical Experience
What a great way to raise awareness of stroke and the symptoms one may experience with Aphasia. I often run into patients and family members who are initially frightened by…
My Tour Guide no longer has a voice
My darling husband Jim had won on Jeopardy, was full of facts on a NYC public radio program every week, and was the best unofficial tour guide of NYC, especially…
Overcoming Aphasia
My first semester of graduate school I was assigned to work with a client with aphasia. While frustrating for the client at times, it was amazing and rewarding when progress…
My Sister’s Journey
My sister Marie was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration (CBD). It took a long time for this diagnosis to occur. Her difficulties started with problems with speech–slurring of words and enunciation.…
Passing Score and Career After Quickly Resolved Stroke
I decided to be an SLP my junior year in high school. During my senior year of high school my 5ft 0inch wonderful grandmother had a stroke which left her…
Aphasia Advocacy
Teaching a graduate course in aphasia as a professor in speech-language pathology, , I am always looking for creative ways to help my students understand the impact that aphasia has…
Rehab Manager
Had one speech patient that could not get words out in a fluent manner but one day he broke through when asked if he was comfortable, he said “I’ll punch…
My Brilliant Mother Lost Her Voice
October 14, 2013 was the last day I had a clear conversation with my mother, Lillian. The next day, my beautiful, competent, intelligent, still working as a bookkeeper-financial advisor, 80-yr…
One Day At A Time
For the past year, I have been directing the music program at the Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement in Baltimore, Maryland. Using the members’ own words, I have written…
I Didn’t Even Know This Condition Existed
My husband of just over 20 years awoke from surgery to remove a massive tumor from his brain with aphasia. He went into surgery in the morning speaking his last…
Empowered through working with people with Aphasia
In my opinion, there are two approaches to aphasia therapy: treating the deficit and treating life participation. It is an absolute honor and pleasure to have the ability to work…
Aphasia is SEXY!!!!
A few years later, Avi traveled to Israel for two years to initiate studies in biology. While there, he also furthered his passion in emergency medicine by becoming certified as…
I’m a Transient
Okay, my Aphasia is transient. I do not have aphasia all the time. I had a head injury years ago and the older I get, the more I have trouble…
Taking the Bulls by the Horns
This article originally appeared in Stroke Connection – American Stroke Association – Jan./Feb. 2004 Now 10 years later, I present a story about determination, willpower and a “can do” attitude…
“I think I’ll Go Vacuum the Lawn”
After a moderate traumatic brain injury in 2004, I lost most of the prior 2 years, and much of my speech… well, other than four letter words (A-YEP!). It took…
A Caregivers tale
Hello everybody my name is Jerry and I am a caregiver to my loved one Suzanne. Suzanne had a massive stroke a little over 13 years ago and was given…
John and Judi’s Story – A Message of Hope
On June 20, 1995, John, age 55 had a massive stroke and was left with Aphasia. Because of my faith I have always believed that the Lord was in control…
Stroke and Aphasia – Jonathan Nicol
Moderate receptive and severe expressive aphasia. Aphasia :- living 43 stroke and Aphasia. 2010 car. My Dad (85 yr), sister (55) Mother – 2011 . Cancer. Manchester – Law Leeds…
The “A R C ” Difference
Christine has met many wonderful, caring individuals the past two years. We call it the “A R C” Difference! aphasiarecoveryconnection.org Living and Sharing in a nonverbal community! Lingraphica makes it…
When Words Fail…A Silent Disability No More
When Mike Adler woke up in the hospital bed eighteen years ago, dazed and disoriented, he felt as if he lost control of his body and his life. Being a…
Local Resident’s Artwork Inspires Aphasia Community
When Jean Deer suffered a life threatening stroke in 1997, he could no longer continue his 40 plus year career as a professional photographer. Through continuous therapy, he had to…
Reconnection, Rediscovery, and Recovery
A former Physical Education and Health teacher, youth football coach, high school track meet official and Summer Recreation Director in Bergen County, New Jersey, Bill’s life was devoted to kids…
Technology Program Provides Big Boost in Communication
Alan Slepp has had a storied career as a successful business man, an Air Force veteran and a man of the theatre. His love of acting started as a hobby…
A Message of Hope
You have trouble speaking, and that’s okay. I will give you time to say…. all that you want and all that you need are just a few extra steps away.…
Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Just six months ago, Vicki woke up and taught an early aerobics class like she always did. She then went on to her job at the bank. A normal day…
Still Laughing and Contributing
Ann Semple was a schoolteacher and social butterfly who loved to travel around the globe. She collected beer cans along the way and ultimately collected thousands. Her favorite travel site…
Lynda Hilborn
On April 24, 2007, Lynda performed her normal morning routine and left for her job as a K-4 teacher. Three hours later her husband was called as she was exhibiting…
Dear to my heart
I knew when I was in middle school that I wanted to be a Speech-Language Pathologist and I knew that I wanted to help people who had suffered from a…
I am Getting Better!!
In 2007 I had a stroke and aphasia. I almost died but with excellent medical care at North Memorial in Robbinsdale, MN, superb speech therapy through North Memorial, and continuing…
“A trip with my husband”
Our story begins when I walked in our front door one afternoon and my husband was standing there, smiling, and had no idea who I was. We rushed him to…
A Stroke Survivor with a Great Attitude
On April 20, 2011 my husband, Jerry, had a stroke that centered over his left ear and was very severe. He is unable to converse with exception of saying “I…
My Sister’s Story
My sister, Maggie, and I have been very close all our lives even though I now live in Florida and she lives in West Virginia. We are only 18 months…
GRANDMA DIGGINS
My Grandma Diggins could not talk, But she could hum and she could walk. And even though her words got jumbled, Grandma Diggins never grumbled. Sometimes “chair” came out as…
Breaking free from locked-in syndrome
“It’s hard to explain what it’s like being in a coma. A coma is a weird place, like a dream but all messed up. I remember being sat in a…
Carol Dow-Richards : A Caregiver’s Journey
My journey into caregiver began like many others. I didn’t know what aphasia was. I was terrified. I cried myself to sleep. My life – and certainly the life of…
David Dow’s Aphasia Tips (Stroke at 10)
When I was a little boy, I dreamed of becoming a doctor like my father. That dream died – when I was ten years old. I had a massvie stroke.…
The Swedish Chef
In October 2003, I was cleaning the gutters on my house, the ladder slipped, and down I went hitting my head on the driveways concrete slap. Spent the 1st month…
An SLP’s Joy
The best part of working with people with aphasia, is being able to help them reconnect with their loved ones. Many people with aphasia are abruptly cut off from their…
A Caregiver’s Story: In Sickness and in Health
My name is Ed. I am 77 years old and have been married to my wife, Lucy, for 54 years. I am also a full-time caregiver for Lucy, and have…
Rita Wolkind
Almost two years ago, I came back from trip to Israel. I was unpacking and getting ready for a family get-together when I had a stroke. I spent two weeks…
Alice Schick
I had a stroke in late 2006 and was diagnosed with aphasia. My husband and I visited Moses Cone Rehab Clinic. After a few weeks of speech therapy, we were…
Nancy: An equal rights advocate with aphasia
I am a social worker and equal rights advocate. I taught at Fordham University in New York City and founded organizations including a shelter for abused women and children, and…
Joe Greenhouse
I went to the University of Illinois and then got my master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I created my own computer company called NORCOM VARs Network, which I…
Vahan Khoyan
My name is Vahan Dickran Khoyan and I am Armenian. I was born in Miami, Florida on January 10, 1944. I have been married for 35 years to my lovely…
Cheryl Adamson
In April 2005, I was given a chance to go to England to become a Master’s level Social Worker for the British Council. I was so excited to have the…