Lynn: My husband and I retired in 2009 from teaching in NY and moved to NC to be near our children.
I was first introduced to TAP, and the meaning of the word aphasia, while tutoring children in the Read and Feed program.
One summer the children joined the TAP members to read in small groups. The children were excited to share their reading skills, and I was extremely impressed with the TAP members’ enthusiasm and motivation. I was anxious to hear their stories.
Candace was a neighbor of mine, and she let me sit in on her book clubs. Her strategies and compassion as well as the participants’ support and encouragement for one another was inspiring. I looked forward to assisting the book clubs each Tuesday where I saw amazing improvements in language skills and in confidence.
TAP is such an incredible and unique organization! Aphasia can be very isolating, but TAP, with its encouraging environment, offers so many diverse opportunities for people to improve communication skills. I only wish all those with aphasia had this opportunity. I was honored to be nominated for the Volunteer of the Year Award and to be part of the exciting celebration with Candace and Justine. I know, as a volunteer for TAP, I have gained far more than I have given.
Candace: This is the season of giving! All of our TAP volunteers show us every day what it means to give without asking for anything in return. Lynn, and so many other amazing people, are a huge part of what makes TAP thrive and continue. We need everyone in TAP’s world to give in such a selfless way, so TAP can continue to GIVE to all who need us. So, in this season of giving, I ask you to give to TAP, so we can continue to give to you.