Aphasia – Changing Lives

Aurora was a family physician with a busy practice when she suffered a massive stroke in 2006. “This place (Aphasia Institute) has given us hope and a support system”.

Aurora and Buddy

Aurora was a family physician with a busy practice when she suffered a massive stroke in 2006. Hoping that the Aphasia Institute might be able to help his wife, her husband Buddy brought an unresponsive Aurora to the Institute’s Introductory Program. Aurora sat slumped in her wheelchair, barely looking at her communication partner throughout the first session but over the course of the program, glimmers of hope began to emerge. Volunteers and staff were able to engage Aurora and prompt her to look up when in conversation – she even started initiating chats.

Through supportive Institute programs, Aurora and Buddy worked together to develop new skills and today Aurora continues to thrive, communicating her thoughts and asserting her desires and wants at home. Although their lives have been forever changed, “this place (Aphasia Institute) has given us hope and a support system,” says Buddy.

Aurora and Buddy

Norma