Tuesday 26 January 2021

I'm Volunteering at the Aphasia Institute

 


I will never give up for I'm a stroke survivor.

Aaron Avila


I'm very proud to be volunteering at the Aphasia Institute. For those of you who don't know, aphasia is a language problem that occurs from a stroke or brain injury. It may also be caused by other neurological conditions such as dementia or brain tumours. The language problems can affect talking and understanding as well as the ability to read and write.

Since I've had my stroke and I've completely recovered, I have been wanting to give something back to stroke patients. Ryan Wood, my speech therapist at Bridgepoint, with whom I'm still in touch (because he's so wonderful), recommended that I volunteer at Aphasia. I would certainly understand how it feels to have the words in your throat and not able to get them out.

Lucky me! Aphasia hired me as a volunteer. They are an absolutely WONDERFUL institution! All of the volunteers have plenty of training and it continues once a week, year round. I am part of a team that gives group conversations, via Zoom. I'm really excited to one day have it in person. 

I feel really lucky that I have recovered, but I'm also really lucky that I can give something back to stroke patients.

Recovery is a process. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes everything that you've got...

TBILLifeCoach

Make someone smile.

Geri