A Holiday Message for YOU!
Maura’s Intro:
We have something super special for your final day (or is it??) …Day 12 of the 12 Days of TAP!
Day 12 brings you the most caring, passionate, incredible individuals who lead the TAP Unlimited Group Programming… we couldn’t catch all of them, but you will see some common themes in all of the Speech Pathologists, Music Therapists and Leaders that TAP employs…they LOVE their “job”!! I’m so blessed to call these people my colleagues, my friends and yes, my family!! Enjoy!
Abbe Simon: T is for terrific, tremendous, togetherness
A is for amazing, abundant, achievement
P is for passionate, patient, people
TAP adds so much to my life. I am grateful to be part of this special organization and to know the people who continue to show me that nothing is impossible.
Sara Summers: In the short time I have been a part of TAP, I have been impressed with the supportive community it provides. Participants cue and help one another in a non-judgmental way and truly enjoy one another’s company. TAP has made a tremendous impact on decreasing the sense of isolation during this pandemic and I’m honored to be a part of such a great organization.
Sevanne Epperson: Our TAP community has shown our strength and resilience this year. TAP embraced the virtual world and without interruption we continued to serve our families. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a strong organization. It is truly an honor and privilege to be able to make a difference in the lives of our clients.
Tisha Shah: TAP is a community of people from many walks of life who are bonded by their experience with aphasia or by a commitment to supporting those impacted by aphasia. Although, everyone’s journey may be different, the fabric of TAP has many common threads…compassion, inspiration, connection, understanding, love, encouragement, and support. TAP community members are doing life together by supporting and celebrating each other through all of the ups and downs. We are centered on the knowledge that aphasia awareness and advocacy are vital in our community and that personal goals can be achieved through our own determination and resilience. In every TAP group, event, or interaction – hope, determination, purpose, and engagement can always be found.
Julia Bryan Canavan: TAP has been a blessing to me this year in ways I never imagined. After resigning from WakeMed as a SLP after 31 years due to COVID, I have the opportunity to able to participate in TAP zoom groups the two groups people with aphasia of diverse ages and backgrounds I work with each week have been a huge encouragement to me. I have seen the relationships and discussions in these groups between these individuals grow in their communication skills along with developing relationships as family in a time of isolation for so many. It has been the greatest privilege and gift to me to participate and grow so close to these wonderful and diverse individuals I have yet to get to meet in person.
I am privileged to be a part of the TAP network and encourage your support of this impactful organization in any way you can. The blessings I have received are indescribable. THANK YOU TAP!!
Megan Wardlow: Even in these crazy times, TAP is a welcoming family to all newcomers! I am thrilled to have found a place to hang my speech therapist hat, make new connections, and get to serve a top notch organization. It is a delight to watch our clients have meaningful interactions with each other and therapists, even if it is just via Zoom. I can’t wait until I can attend my first in person session.
Martine Bullard: TAP is a wonderful organization that provides a home base for so many people. Amid the uncertainty and stress that everyone has experienced this year, TAP has been steadfast, and continued to provide important personal connections as well as opportunities for people living with aphasia to improve their speech and communication challenges. I am so proud to be a part of the TAP family, and to be able to provide music therapy during weekly Music Mania sessions!
Candace Seibert: In this season of giving, I am reminded that TAP is a huge gift in all our lives. In the seven years I have been blessed to be a TAP group leader, I have worked with, learned with, laughed with, and at times even cried with the most amazing group of people I have ever known. What a privilege to have the chance to know this incredibly diverse family. And to think we would never have known each other were it not for TAP! Let us all rejoice and support TAP in these last days of 2020, as we look with hope toward the future.
Taylor Hickok: Aphasia can be so isolating, especially so during a worldwide pandemic. TAP has been the antidote to this isolation. Despite all the hardship, loneliness, disconnection that 2020 had ushered in, TAP has worked so hard to provide a sense of community, support, empowerment, and connection for the individuals and families we work with. I have no words to describe how grateful I am to be a part of this amazing organization and I look forward to seeing what great things 2021 brings.
Crista Misenheimer: TAP has been able to provide community and support when people have needed it the most. TAP clients inspire me every week and I’m honored to be a part of this organization.
Kelley Shaver: TAP’s core values for our members are Hope, Determination, and Purpose. Unexpectedly, these are the gifts I have actually received from the TAP family over the past 8 years, particularly during this long, strange year. Thank you for providing me HOPE through the laughter shared during our virtual meetings, DETERMINATION to keep striving for continual improvement both personally and professionally, and a PURPOSE when it feels like there are so many things beyond our control these days.
It is such a gift to be a part of this family and I hope that all members can feel the connection and warmth, despite our physical distance this year.
Caroline Elmore: 2020 has been a year for the books. I am so thankful for TAP and the community that comes along with it. Being a part of TAP has been a life changing experience and I am excited to see what 2021 has in store!
Kaylea Nicholson: I am so proud to be a part of the Triangle Aphasia Project. I love starting each week with TAP into Talking and TAPLinks. It is amazing to see how the clients support and inspire each other. I’m looking forward to 2021 and especially to eventually seeing everyone in person again.
Kristine Strobbia: Gratitude. Connection. Family. These are the words that come to mind when I think about TAP. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to connect with this TAP family. During such a chaotic year, TAP has been a consistent safe haven for us to find joy, laughter, and perseverance. It is my greatest honor to work with each and every one of you. May you all have a safe and blessed holiday season.
Rieppe Hendrick: Wishes for a peaceful Holiday! I am very blessed to be involved with TAP at Home! Not only has positive social and wellbeing been witnessed by the TAP clients but undoubtedly by the group leaders involved in TAPRoots as well. Thank you TAP Family for providing me with focus and connection during this trying year!
From the TAP Home Office:
TAP Unlimited’s End of Year Campaign provides TAP Stakeholders an opportunity to embrace the reason for our efforts and hear from those who have been impacted by aphasia. Aphasia, as you know, can be a devastating impairment resulting in social isolation, depression and disengagement from the passions and purpose of an individual’s life. It can interrupt a career, destroy plans for retirement and threaten relationships. TAP Unlimited is embarking on its 18th year of service to those effected by aphasia across the Triangle and beyond.
Our ability to pivot and create a virtual world of connection possibilities, to stay afloat and to even thrive, has been, in no small way, a result of the generosity of our donor base. Today, we ask that you continue to support TAP by doing the following:
- Share this story. Share it on your social media, in emails to your family/friends and to those you work with…it will increase awareness of Aphasia and provide hope to those who feel alone in this journey.
- Consider an end-of-year gift to TAP. You can donate online and make it a gift by honoring someone on the aphasia journey.
- Donations can also be mailed in the form of a check or a donation of stock. Email us for more information.
Thank you for your faith in our organization and for supporting the 12 Days of TAP!