Mary Speaking at Butler University

Mom and I have been greatly blessed by the work of Mary Gospel who leads the Aphasia Support Group in Carmel and teaches Speech at Butler University in Indianapolis. Mary Gospel asked Mom to come to her class and speak to the students about living with aphasia as a result of her stroke. Mom did a great job and the students loved having her. Lots of laughter!

One of the students in the class, Veni Linos, is from Greece and she already knows Mom from visiting the Aphasia Support Group. She invited us to come and meet the students she teaches in a children's Greek School. (Just like in the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding!) So we have added that to our "To Do" list. In the photo is Veni (in the blue sweater), Mom (seated), and Mary Gospel (in the black, yellow and green sweater). We are so thankful for the wonderful support and encouragement we have received. It was fun to have an opportunity to give back a little.

Here's a little video of Mom telling the class how hard vowels are:
(Click on the arrow to play the video.) - posted by Betsy



Aphasia: Aphasia is a language disorder that results from damage to portions of the brain that are responsible for language. Aphasia usually occurs suddenly, often as the result of a stroke. Aphasia may co-occur with speech disorders such as dysarthria or apraxia of speech.

By going to speak with the students, Mom knew she could help them to understand a very complex and challenging condition. Mary Gospel and Mom were a great team as they illustrated each facet of aphasia.



The speech students were literally hanging on every word as they saw aphasia in action explained by a person who lives with aphasia every day.



Mary Gospel explained to the students that people wrongly assume that a simple picture message board is adequate to help a person with aphasia communicate. Adults with aphasia usually have a lot more to say than a simple picture message board can cover!