Hosting Thanksgiving was a Hit! by Christie

When we were asked to host Thanksgiving in our house, I apparently started stressing out because we hosted my husband's family last year and it was a disaster. We got a turkey catering meal delivered to our house. All we had to do was to heat in up.  We had many issues and I didn't want to repeat it again. Well, luckily it worked out perfect. 

 

I started with the menu to figure out what I was roped in for. I knew I had some issues with making the turkey cooked all the way through. I have used the slow cooker to make a turkey breast and it always comes out tasty but it was only a 3 pound turkey and having 8 people is an issue. My mom came a couple of weeks ago and she purchased 2 of them. Well, I was stressed out because I thought it wasn't going to be enough. I have issues to say the least. I purchased another one just to be safe.

 

The menu was as followed: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Pecan-Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing, Whipped Sweet Potato Casserole, Pear Spiked Applesauce, Mashed Potatoes-store bought, Vegetable-family member. The desserts I made were Black-Bottom Peanut Butter Mousse Pie and Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Streusel.

 

I started preparing on Tuesday for the applesauce. It was easy, just chopping and simmering and only a couple of ingredients. It is good for a week. The next day, I did 2 pies, cornbread and preparing the sweet potatoes. There were definitely problems with estimating the number of people. I made the sides and realized it wasn't enough so I started the whole process again. At least, I learned my listen. 

 

On Thanksgiving day, I got up at 6:30am, to put the turkey in the slow cooker. The meal turned out to be delicious. It was a great day and I felt like I accomplished a great meal! I will definitely host it again!

Warrior Sailing Project by Pat

We went to Annapolis, MD for sailing. I learned to sail with the Warrior Sailing Program. It was a great time. Patty, Wilson and I got there on Monday. I met wounded soldiers and very smart sailors. Right away it was going to be a blast. The next day there was a short class. They wanted us in the sailboat, right away. My boat was number 7! It had to be good!

On Tuesday there were classes in the morning. Then I went sailing for an hour. It was great in the water. I was there with two people that got hurt in the military and a coach. Our coach, Ralf Steitz, was beyond incredible. He was in the Stars & Stripes in the 1990's. After lunch there was another class. Then I was too tired. I went to the hotel and got a nap.

Wednesday was fun! We got in the boat right away. We also had a Navy General. He has been sailing for 50 years. Next thing we know, Ralf jumped in to a different boat. It was spectacular! We had the Navy Captain helping us. We practiced for an hour. There were 6 flags to get from the buoys. Then the race started. We decided to go to the furthest flag. We went from flag to flag. We got our last flag and headed to the finish line. But it was slow because of the wind. We finished and found out we got third!!! We felt great. Sailing is one of the greatest thing I've ever done...

Want to see more? Watch this video!http://www.abc2news.com/news/region/anne-arundel-county/wounded-veterans-use-sailing-as-an-outlet

HealthSouth Stroke Group - Loudoun County by Randy

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Loudoun Hospital. We spoke to at least 25 survivors and caregivers.  This was the first time that Laura and I were asked to speak that this stroke group. By the way Laura is my wife. This was the second stroke group that I have been at this hospital. These groups are monthly, which can be a great support to survivors and caregivers.

 

I talked about me as what it is like to be a survivor. So much has changed since my recovery began.  I was unable to do so many thinks back then. It was great to be able to talk about all the things I can do now. I did share my struggle with isolation. Laura was a work and I was at home with Rudy. Thank goodness that my little boy was there for me.

 

I was able to start writing again 2 years after my stroke. TopGolf is located in Loudoun County.  It’s a fun place to get ready for the Kalikie Classic Golf Tournament. Have used the use iFly in Loudoun as well.  It was pretty cool. Much of what I have done are silicone wristbands and paracord bracelets.

 

Laura talked about what is was like to be a caregiver. She also filled in some blanks because I do not remember everything that happened to me. I think we gave them some good information and more importantly hope.

 

Obviously Laura and I spoke about the Stroke Comeback Center. The community has changed my life from being very involved with the SCC. Being there is like being at home.

Hula Girl by Christie

We tried a new restaurant for the first time and it is top-notch. The name is Hula Girl Bar & Grill and the cuisine is Hawaiian food. The façade is a laid-back brick & mortar place with the location in Shirlington, VA. We walked in and were greeted with a smile by Mikala Brennan. I found out later that she was the owner of the place. 

 

We started with drinks, my husband, Chris, had a habanero sculpin beer and I had a pineapple sparkling wine. Both of us loved it. For Chris, he did the first sip and he didn't taste it until a minute later and could feel the heat in the back of his mouth. Spicy it was.  Mine was sweet like me. It was infused with pineapple. So tasty!

 

We started with an appetizer called Kalua Pork Crispy Gau Chee. It was a fried pork wonton. Very good. The main entrées were Hula Girl Truck Salad with Mahi-Mahi and Chicken Katsu. It was truly fantastic. We will definitely go back. The rating is 10 stars.  It was that good, if you like Hawaiian food, which everyone should!!!

Rock Climbing by Christie

What a rush I had by trying rock climbing for the first time!  I was definitely nervous, feeling like I couldn't do it. The trainers were very helpful with my anxiety.  I watched Randy and Jerry climb to the top making me feel like I can do it. 

The trainer who climbed with us was Liz who recently graduated from JMU. Go Dukes! She helped with putting my foot into the right position but I didn't feel comfortable so I moved it into a different position.  However, my husband told me later that I needed to listen to the trainer instead because it's her job to instruct me how to do it. Maybe it would be easier to listen instead of me thinking that I can do everything.  😜  And it wouldn't have hurt so much.

I am going back and trying again one more time to see if I can master it.  Stay tuned!

 

 

Aphasia: I am life by Perry

Aphasia can have the scenarios.

Aphasia:  Do I is restaurant? 

I can’t process 2 or more words in the situation (I am aphasia.)

The waitress lady said “(A) pizza, (B) hot dog, and (C) chicken hamburger…”.  I am talked “pizza, not pizza. No. no. no.”  The list is confusing. (I am aphasia.)  I talked “I need water and hot dog…” I do not want hot dog. The wait is still minutes.  I am confused.  I wanted chicken hamburger and do not say.  

It is tough, and lists were confusing, and I speaking with waitress.

Waitress ask “Mustard? Vinegar? …Honey mustard?” I said “I want mustard.” – no.  I did not say “I want vinegar” --- yes.  (I want vinegar.)  The list is confusing. (I am aphasia.)

Aphasia:  Directions?

I can no speech, and I can tell daughters to have the patience.   When twin daughters were 11-12 years old, I said directions in the car: “Right. Right. Not left.” I can’t speak directions, but I follow directions in my car.  I follow directions!! And my speaking is not telling of abilities.

Aphasia:  Haircut?

I go to the haircut. I want cut hair: The back haircut is back full straight.  I can’t speak.  The haircut is not properly haircut. 

Aphasia:  The police saw I speedway drive? 

            I am not drunk – speak is aphasia. I take wallet, and I pick aphasia cards. I show policeperson.  The numbers: 1. I have aphasia. 2. My intelligence is intact. The police man wrote ticket my drive. 

Aphasia:  Home repairs and credit card

            I surf webpages. I am scared, and do not call!!  Taylor or Delaney calls service, and I ask her to call service. The daughters are college, and messages services phone numbers.

I have problems with credit card. I ask Taylor is calls about problems with credit card, and problems of month credit card bill.

 

Aphasia: Vote

My polling location in Loudoun Virginia.  I give Picture ID driver’s license.  You pronounce name --- pronounce name is hard.  Next time, I can pronounce name.  I not tell street numbers of home.  I can’t speak in numbers -- living home address and cost and mile and phone and etc.  

Aphasia: Bills

I pay car financial services -- $428.71 – I can’t write four hundred and twenty.  I pay a $500.00 check. 

Conclusion:

I do try speech, and …. Slow … brain … mouth (I use brain (first), and (second) speech words. I am aphasia, problem when room is noisy).  The speech therapists are saying me, and “Brain. Brain. S-l-o-w. I is slow”!! I am waiting long years…. next patience!!

Definitely:  I am speech aphasia!!

Happy birthday to me! by Pat

Today is my birthday this August 23rd and I would like to say Thank You! We were talking at the Stroke Comeback Center. I have been going there for 4 years. Over years I have gotten better with speaking, listening, reading and writing. I think about that a lot. And I needed to tell you that my family, friends and all of my extended family in New Jersey. You are the ones that make me keep going. (And if you all don't know, my wife, PATTY, saved my life!!!)

 

For me every day is the movie, "Forest Gump". Life is like a box of chocolates... You never know what you're going to get. But every day I wake up and I am excited that I am alive! I got hurt in the war 9 years ago. I have big TBI, aphasia and post-traumatic epilepsy. My aphasia has gotten better and I haven't had a seizure in 4 years. The brain is there. It will help me, you too, get better every day. Here's looking at you!!!

 

My body is getting old but inside I am getting young...

Aphasia Friendly Phone Apps by Christie

Aphasia is hard but you deal with it as best as you can.  I have found some apps that have helped me deal with this problem.

One is my iPhone that speaks to me.  It's on Settings/General/Accessibility/Speech/Speak Selection/On.  You can adjust the speaking rate, voices and highlight content.  I use it for emails, composing emails, messaging and websites.  It's being able to be independent without having to ask for help with words or even a first sound.

Another app is Speak it! There is a microphone as part of Apple. This is for individual words that I cannot pronounce or a word that I can write but can not say.  You speak it and you can hear it over and over again.  I also use it as practice.

I also use OverDrive and Audible for reading.  OverDrive is a part of the Fairfax library on-line.  You can checkout books and audiobooks for free.  It's a great way to checkout books with out having to pay for it.  Free is always better!  I also use Audible for a subscription of $14.95 a month and you get an audiobook for free.  You also save 30% on all audiobooks purchased after you purchase that one and you can also listen to a free audio subscription to The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal.  You get emails about savings for example buy one and get one for free offers. 

The apps make it easier to simplify your life.

… page is turned. Next chapter …. College!! by Perry

I am backstop ballgame, I am daughters’ support (Daughter at plate herself.)

 

I am aphasia --- my 2 daughters keep reminding.   I am here and listening!!  I am quiet and patience.  2 daughters are rushing sororities, and I not am okay.   I not am sorority rush, and Taylor says wait and see.   Patience! Patience! Patience!   The 2 daughters are time and patience.

 

I can speak on the phone and use messaging.  1 daughter has 4-person dorm (1 room per person), and 1 roommate person is good. (I am surprised!!) 1 daughter is University South Carolina, and hot weather!! 

 

And 1 daughter is James Madison University.  My daughter Delaney is lonely, homesick on messenger.  Her roommate is friendly. (I am surprised!!)  The bath is shared bath.  The dorm is not air conditioned.  The football field is across the street.  Patience!! I can be patient!!

 

I am listening, and the daughters call me!! 

 

I am surprised, and 2 daughters can be in college!! 

How I Spent my Summer Vacation by Christie

My summer vacation was boring but in a good way. I felt refreshed and like it was for a long time. I started with a cross stitch project for a Christmas Stocking for Kona. I looked at patterns but they don't have much selection for a black lab like Kona. Suzanne found a website to take a picture and turn it in to a cross stitch pattern. The website she found was www.stitchyourphoto.com and you pick a picture and they make it into a pattern. 

You can buy the complete kit, which includes the pattern, DMC Floss List, Fabric and DMC Floss, or individual options as well. It was very affordable. I started while on break and it's coming a long fine.

Chicago, DoD and CURE Epilepsy by Pat

Chicago, Chicago, Chicago!!!!!!! This is a great city. Patty, Wilson and I went there for the CURE: Epilepsy Fundraiser. Interesting story how we became friends. I got hurt in Iraq in 2007. In November, I was in the RIC in Chicago and I had my first seizure. In 2008 the CURE asked Patty to write a story about us. In 2008 I had seizures every month. The first 2 years I had 15 seizures. The next 4 years I had two seizure. For 3 years I have had no seizures!!! Every time I had a seizure it was a grand mal.

 

Since 2008 I have been friends with the CURE. And they are very nice. They believe that epilepsy needs to stop. But they will need to start from scratch. No doctors have gotten into it for soldiers. The DoD realized that many soldiers, in the war, got concussions or ended with seizures. The DoD asked the CURE about epilepsy. "Can epilepsy go away?" (If you have 2 seizures, you have it for life.) Veterans say things like, "I took a blast in Iraq or Afghanistan after one or two years later I started having seizures." The DoD gave the CURE money to stop epilepsy!!!

 

Ending epilepsy will be awesome. This will be a huge deal. When your car is out of gas you pump it up. If your grass is very long you mow it. I am happy that the CURE is going forward. How do you get rid of seizures? Will epilepsy be there for the rest of creation? Is the brain just that smart? It is all interesting.

Independence by Christie

Independence celebrates freedom. Freedom comes in vary sizes, from small or big but it truly feels like you accomplish something important.  After I had my stroke, I realize the little things make a huge impact. 

 

In the beginning, I learned how to walk and talk again.  But you have milestones of progress where you feel elated of even the simplest things, like cooking.  I learned how to read instructions, learned how to chop again with only my left hand.  I definitely had some mistakes a long the way, but I learned and moved a long.   

 

I organize a charity, called the Kalikie Classic Golf Tournament and all of the proceeds goes to the Stroke Comeback Center.  In the beginning, the founding fathers put it on because I had issues  with remembering how it worked.  As time when on, I helped in different stages of my recovery.  Now, I manage it all and have some volunteers that help. 

 

Making progress is a huge part of recovery and you need to remember to look around and see the impacts in your life.

Kauai 2016 by Christie

We went to Kauai for 3 weeks at the north part of the island, Hanalei Bay.  We had a blast.  We laid on the beach and snorkeled.  The weather was overcast but it didn't matter because I get burnt very easy so for me it was perfect.  The place that we stayed was a one bedroom cottage on the beach where you could hear the waves crashing.  We loved it every second!

 

I tried a new wine that a co-worker told us about. It's called Maui Blanc which has a hint of pineapple.  It's very sweet which is what I like. I also purchased Maui Splash (hint of passion fruit) and Hula Champagne (hint of pineapple). The Maui Splash was awesome and the Hula Champagne was not my cup of tea. I had a mission to ship it home. I went through the motion of searching it on-line and finding how much the shipping would cost. Needless to say, it is now in my possession. Sometime in the future, I may have a problem drinking but I will deal with it later.  😍

 

We went snorkeling a few times and saw fish and coral.  The rough waves made it hard to see many fish but we did see some.  Here is a video of fish and me and my husband, Chris: 

 

Chris videoed with his Go Pro camera.  We saw the state fish of Hawaii called the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.   It's one of the smaller fish but it has a mind all of its own.  Chris was taping the state fish when he got attacked and the fish bit him on his big toe.  The fish marked the its territory.   Chris wasn't happy about it but he put it on Facebook telling everyone to be aware of this deadly fish.  😜

We have visited often and we will come again soon because we truly enjoy this place called KAUAI!!!

Wrapping up Aphasia Awarenss Month

Three final thoughts to conclude Aphasia Awareness Month...

30 Years by Paul

30 years ago my brain was in pain at the gym. I lost my speech, my right body, my right hand and arm at 36 years of age because of a stroke (aphasia, apraxia and paralysis). I lost my work and I driving my car for 1 year.

30 years ago, I hope 1) l would talk in sentences , would read and would write in sentences and 2) I would work again. I found words, continued with sentences, continued to paragraphs and continue the question for 30 years. Overcoming aphasia is like climbing a mountain. I worked with the physical therapist, the speech therapist, the occupational therapist while I worked. I grew to speak and to write.

Now, I have self-publishing company for stroke and aphasia for publishing books, How to Conquer the World With One Hand... And an Attitude, I do presentations, newsletters, and http://strokesurvivor.com/index.html web.

I am a Survivor by Randy 

June is Aphasia Awareness Month. I have aphasia and I am a stroke survivor. I am 5 years post and my life is getting better. As always aphasia sucks but we deal with it.

Of course everyone who has aphasia has it differently. I can run, walk, write and speak pretty well but many of my friends struggle. Again even though we struggle we never give up. 

There are times when my words come out jumbled. They come out better now but again even after 5 years they come out jumbled. Many times I have to make sure that I have sleep well and use my meds and of course eat good dietary food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

I go to the Stroke Comeback Center due to what it does for our community. Going there and meeting other people at the center has changed my life. 

God bless me everyday!! 

Finding the Center by Keith

If this a little fuzzy I take responsibility for this. I survived a stroke on November 22, 2005. The stroke left me without my speech, writing ability, and without ability to understand. I slept for about 12 hours a day, or even more.

Marta and I found out about the Stroke Comeback Center during my speech language therapy at Mount Vernon Hospital. We went back to the hospital for a period of time to see my speech therapist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. My speech therapist mentioned the center because he had heard about the center from a friend (speech therapist) in January or February 2006. A few weeks after I finished out-patient speech therapy, I started coming to the Center. 

Marta called the center and left a message. Darlene called back. Marta and Darlene talked and I was told the I was going to meet Darlene the day after tomorrow. Marta and I went to the center. The center was on the second floor of a building in Oakton, Virginia.

We went in and sat down. Darlene come out to meet us and asked us the come with her. Darlene asked my wife about the details concerning my stroke. She then spoke with me a bit. I did not remember a thing after this conversation. She then quizzed me with a Boston Diagnosis Aphasia Evaluation, a long quiz but not exhausting. She said to my wife that I was good candidate to continue speech therapy sessions with her on Wednesdays.

Our Aphasia Stories

Aphasia is Inside by Pat

Well friends, aphasia is inside. I can talk around and around and around. But it is not correct. All the words are inside the carousel and aphasia makes me there. Friends have no idea what I'm really talking about. It wants to come out!!! But aphasia has two reasons to keep going.

You can do number one or two. Number one will help speaking, reading and writing. Practice all of them every day. Number two is not good. The opposite can't be good. Eventually your brain quits. There will be "no" speak, read or write.

In July 2007, in Iraq, I got shot in the left-head of my skull. I have big time Wernicke's and a little Broca's. Since then I get better and better. It took me years to understand aphasia. So that is why I decide to do with Number 1.

Life Will Still Go On by Christie

Aphasia is something that no one knows until it happens to you. I would like to get the word out so people can understand and be aware about it. It happens to one out of 250 people living with aphasia. It makes you wonder who you know. I would like people to recognize that living with aphasia is difficult but you deal with it as best as you can. I want people to understand that it takes time so be patient and give them plenty of time to get their words out. You must understand that every day is a blessing in  even the smallest ways. Life will go on so make it what you want.

 

 

Intelligence is Still the Same by Perry

 

The person is reading, writing, and speech --- aphasia. The aphasia is from stroke, war fighting, aneurysm, gun to the head, etc. I had a stroke; John was war fighting; and woman was brain tumor, etc. The Stroke Comeback Center allowed us to be well and good. The aphasia is changing over days, months, and years – changing life. There are no medicine pills. 

 

A person talked person aphasia – patience, patience, and patience. (Author is 2 twin daughters, and patience, right correct). Intelligence is the same.

My Aphasia Story by Sara

It was a great Sunday in May. In fact, the vey last Sunday in May (5/31). My husband Mario and I did the weekly shoping at Giant and Fresh Fields. We decided to cook fish for dinner.

 

The day was so beautiful that we decided to go to Reston Town Center to have a walk and stopped at one of Mario’s favorite shops to buy clothes. Once back at home, I started cooking. All of a sudden, I felt a terrible pain in my head. It was as if my head was going to explode from inside out. I run to the office where Mario was working at the computer and told him: “Mario I believe I have an aneurism”. Mario called 911 immediately while I sat at the sofa in front of the TV. Mario took the fish out of the oven and very quickly the ambulance arrived. The nurse asked me from 1 to 10 how much pain I had and I said 11. I do not remember anything else after this…but I survived!! And we never again cooked fish!

Aphasia Awareness Month by Keith

I had a stroke on November 22, 2005. I started working in my office writing letters. I had to finish ten letters; I just wrote three letters by ten o’clock. My head hurt and I thought I was developing a cold. I took two aspirins. I went to my office and I shut my door. I fell to the floor. 

The office manager, Nat, told me to sit up on the floor but I could not. She called an ambulance for me. I remember a dream that I had the beginnings of my stroke. I dreamt that I was tied down on the right side of my body. The left side was free. I looked down to my right side and saw many branches and roots all over my right side. I wanted to be free. But, the more I tried be set myself free, the more the branches and the roots grew. I wanted to tell my wife, Marta. But, I can not begin to tell her. I had a stroke; right side, speech, reading were all gone. 

I was taken to the hospital closest to my office. After few hours, I was put on a helicopter to INOVA Fairfax Hospital. I spent eight days at INOVA and then I was admitted to Mount Vernon Hospital. I stayed in that hospital for a little less then a month. I came home on December 24, 2005.    

The doctors told my wife they I had a massive stroke. At first, I had only limited speech, and little reading and no writing capabilities. My walking improved quickly, but I used a cane for a while. My wife and I were determined to show the doctors wrong. 

My speech is getting more like the speech from my past. The writing is improving. The reading is almost like in my past. I walk a lot now.

THANK YOU for a great Do More 24!

Our bloggers were pretty excited about the great results from Do More 24! Thanks to you generosity we raised over $33,600 in 24 hours and were rewarded with a $10,000 prize from United Way!

Thank you for being involved with Do More 24 and the Stroke Comeback Center. All of the members at the center thank everyone. All of our survivors are so thankful and proud to be involved. Thanks again and we look forward to doing it again!

- Randy

For family and friends I would like to say, "Thank You!!!" June 2 was a big day for the Stroke Comeback Center. It was a chance to get money for it. This is called the DoMore24. This year the SCC made $33,600. It was great!! I have been coming here for 4 years. The make me use my brain and I love it!

- Pat

Thank you for your generosity with Do More 24. It's because of you that we raised $33,659, more than 10% from last year. Plus we also got 2 other rewards for the Night Owls ($1,000) and the top small organization prize ($10,000). It was truly amazing that we all got together for this cause! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

- Christie

I want to thank everyone for donations! We fundraising $33K and then all of a sudden Do More 24 donated $10K because we are small organizations brought the most! Thank you for donating! My family and friends are the best!!

- Chris

Do More 24 is Thursday, June 2nd

Why should people participate in Do More 24?

 

Randy says...

As a member of the Stroke Comeback Center, I am working on having all of my family, friends and members donate on Do More 24. What is Do More 24? It is a one day donation to the United Way and the Stroke Comeback Center.

 

Getting involved with Do More 24 is important. Stroke Comeback Center is a 501c3 organization. Having 5 people make a donation of $24 each is huge! These donations will allow the center to buy paper towels, coffee, food, paper, pens, pencils it goes on and on.

 

Stroke and Brian injury survivors are amazing and this is a very beneficial way to help us. We thank all of you for helping us!!

 

Christie says...

Fundraising will help people like me to continue with speech therapy by providing scholarship funds and operating costs. You only have to do $24 dollars, kind of like eating at home one day rather than going to a fast food restaurant. You will improve the lives of stroke survivors and brain trauma for the better. Now, that’s worth it! Please support our cause by donating on June 2nd.

 

Perry says...

Why should you donate $24?

1. The stroke comeback center is 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and needs money.

2. The aphasia center is write, speech, and reading.

3. The center is members (brothers and sisters) is aphasia, I am okay welcome.

4. The tax deduction is good for your taxes.

5. The $24 is people (intended).

 

Please consider an online donation of $24 or more on Thursday, June 2. Together we can make a difference in the lives of stroke and brain trauma survivors. Donate online at https://domore24.org/npos/stroke-comeback

Where would we be without the Stroke Comeback Center?

Where would I be if the Center wasn’t there?

If the Center was nonexistent, I would go apeshit. I would go to NRH but not too long since my insurance will run out. I will be locked up with nothing to do except waiting for Chris to come home so I can have interaction.

I would visit a retirement home because I love seniors. The issue is to try to find a place where you can have a conversation without dealing with dementia/Alzheimer. It’s hard enough to find the words to say because of aphasia but the seniors would help me find the words.

I would need a hobby and I have done many hobbies including knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. Maybe I will practice until I am perfect and then sell them to local businesses.

But the SCC is open for business. I love it and I’m so happy that I found it. I am so honored to have a place to come and enjoy the balance of work and the camaraderie of members.

Where would I be if I did not have the Stroke Comeback Center?

To begin with I would be sad. I probably would be scared. And also be isolated.

Thank you so very much SCC for being a fantastic Center. The Center has changed my life as well as many others. Being with a community like this has changed so many lives.

So many of these people would be so isolated if they did not have the chance to be with individuals like this. These survivors are very proud of being with these individuals. The recovery at a place like this has changed so many. No longer having a community like this would be very difficult for these members.

My life would be very different from not being with these people. My recovery has gotten better due to this. My isolation has grown smaller due to the center. So many of these people have changed from being here. Being with friendships with amazing people at the Stroke Comeback Center. Thank you!!

I living not Stroke Comeback Center

Because not stroke comeback center, I am words and numbers, and sentence forming, and story. Aphasia is words and numbers. Because not stroke comeback center, I am house inside. The public is not longer – words, numbers, sentence, and story. The well audience is speaker, and it is words, numbers, sentences, and story. (“I am aphasia,” Perry said.)

I like Stroke Comeback Center speech therapists. The speech therapists are friends. I am 10+ years in stroke and aphasia, and many very speech therapists, and 3 Nova Scotia aphasia 6-weeks. I am aphasia!

I am work, the Stroke Comeback Center. I am better, and good enough. The business is defense company will Computer Science/Manager (BS in Computer Science, MS in Computer Science). How can friends and company work job? I am lost friends and works. Now I am Stroke Comeback Center friends and therapists.

Not Stroke Comeback Center – I am secluded and not living life to fullest. I am not inside house.

Finally, the Stroke Comeback Center is very good and personal life.

Living Well with Aphasia by Judy

My name is Judy. I had my stroke at age 59 in 2005. I have a daughter, Karen, and a son, Kevin. Kevin has a wife, Dorota, and a son, Jack. I have a brother, Thom. I live in Rockville, Maryland.

When I had my stroke I had no speech. I took PT and OT. I take aphasia therapy and practiced by speech. Now it is much better.

I do yoga. I walk. My house has a lot of stairs.

I like gourmet cooking, gardening, dancing, music, movies and art shows. I have been to many places - France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Caribbean Islands, England, Ireland, China, Canada and Mexico. I am a member of a church.

I have many friends in Washington, DC area and other places.

I work hard at therapy and I still enjoy my life.

Podcasts are Coming! by Randy

The PT Pintcast is a Podcast.  This podcast is being recorded from 3 survivors and Jimmy.  Jimmy is a PT student.  Jimmy is the creator of PT Pintcast. 

 

This recording has been from the Stroke Comeback Center.  These members have talked about there stories.   It is about what happened to them and what their recovery has been like. 

 

This is what it was like to these survivors.  It was hard for all of us, recovery is what it is all about.  We have worked hard to get better.   We never give up.

 

These people were asked about how they feel about the SCC.  We all truly felt that it was about community.  The community from the center helps people feel that it is very much like a home.

 

Some day we hope that Jimmy will post his PT Pintcast that he made with us.  We hope that that will happen. However we, as the members at the SCC, are working hard to make our own Podcast.  As stroke survivors making a podcast like this is a challenge.  It's all about recovery.  The slow road to better...

My Birthday Month by Christie

This was a big milestone, turning 40. My celebration week begun on April Fools and my brother texted me "Happy Birthday you filthy animal.”  He finally made a big deal for a whole month by texting every day.  He's awesome.

 

Each day has been fantastic.  My husband and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant and then went to Duck Donuts for a cinnamon bun donut.  It was super tasty. 

 

On Monday, my mom came up and we went to the Zoo.  We saw the new baby panda and the new baby monkey.  The baby panda was taking a nap but right when we found the perfect place to watch him sleep he awoke and started to climb down but couldn't figure how to get down.  It was so intriguing on how to master it.  The mom came to help but got bored so she was showing off instead of helping.  He eventually came down but it was humorous to watch.  We had a magnificent day.

 

I went to see Oma on Thursday and my parents came up as well.  My Oma gave me a balloon, cupcakes and she sang 'Happy Birthday'.  She is truly the most amazing Grandma.

 

On my birthday, my big present was we went to Bethany for the weekend.  The weather wasn't perfect but on my birthday it was sunny and warm.  We walked down to the beach to see the ocean.  Chris and Kona went running and went down to the ocean to see how cold it was.  It was freezing so he didn't paddle.   We made a Banana Espresso Bread Pudding dessert which turned out to be tasty but I will change it slightly by adding cinnamon and more bananas. 

 

I am now 40 and it is the same.  Nothing to report just getting older.  It seems like you are in your 20's, carefree and happy and that's who I am.