I have been surprised to learn over the past few years how many different kinds of strokes there are, and how many ways a stroke can cause devastation. Surprising too are the brave and ingenious ways in which stroke thriver's have managed to overcome their loss and adjust to their "new norm". I hope you will share with us your story of change.
TESTIMONIALS
I recently met Donna Brown when she volunteered to help with peer support at Rumsey Neuro Rehab (TRI). Her story is an amazing one of bravery and determination. She greatly inspires me. She lost her speech 10 years ago and was told she many never speak again. As many stroke patients do with pessimistic 'one person fits all' advice, Donna was determined to prove her doctors wrong, and did she ever! Sometimes her speech falters and she gets frustrated, but her quick brain is ever finding circuitous routes to say what she needs to say. And the courage she displays to attempt conversation in such a verbal format as a peer support group is truly amazing. Donna says that she overcomes awkwardness in new situations, like approaching a sales clerk at a store, by saying: "I've had a stroke", so the clerk can understand that she may need more time or a different way to get her point across. She also gives speeches! Apparently she finds speaking much easier if she reads prepared lines. Donna is a bit worried about introducing herself when she runs her own group, so we are experimenting with index cards and poster boards. What we are not doing is imagining, even for a moment, that she can't do it. Here is her story.
