Today we share an update from one of last year’s 12 Days of TAP posts featuring James Washington and Byron Stallings. James and Byron are very involved in TAP’s Bible Study group (led by TAP group leader, Julia Canavan), which uses the Bible as a tool for practicing speech, listening and reading. James, Byron and […]
Today brings a message from TAP’s program manager, Olivia Herrmann.
Today’s story was written by a caregiver of someone with primary progressive aphasia (PPA): In the fall of 2020, my spouse, Karen, started to complain about losing words – which we both initially attributed to “aging” coupled with the stress of the first year of the pandemic. But as the months passed, it was clear […]
Jorge Salazar developed aphasia because of a brain tumor. Following his aphasia diagnosis, he had to retire from his job, making him realize the significant impact aphasia was having on his life. Upon introduction to TAP by a speech therapist, Jorge started participating in both Spanish and English groups. He attests that TAP has been […]
Timothy (Tim) Coleman lives in Durham and loves to read comic books and play video games. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Tim experienced a hemorrhagic stroke in 2015 while in his 30s, which made talking very difficult for him. He is happy to say that TAP has […]
Sarah Mazeika is TAP’s newest group leader. While relatively new to the triangle area, Sarah has quickly realized the impact that TAP has on the North Carolina aphasia community. She values TAP’s emphasis on the life participation approach, a principle that she emphasizes in her clinical practice. Sarah thoroughly enjoys leading her Friday in-person Conversations […]
John Sams lives in Apex with his lovely wife, Phyllis, and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. John is a retired salesman, a talented artist, and a gardener. John was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) four years ago with his primary deficit being language difficulties. He shares that there was not a […]
Mike Strickland lives in Wendell with his wife, Angie, and daughter, Lillie. He owns a stained glass studio where he currently works as an artist. Mike is a big college football fan (shout out to the Wolfpack!) and is extremely hard working. Following knee surgery, Mike experienced an ischemic stroke on May 9th, 2023, resulting […]
Bill Swartley lives in Apex with his wonderful wife, Kay. He is a retired forest hydrologist and one of the biggest Penn State fans out there! Bill was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) in 2021. He shares that he has learned effective strategies from other TAP members to improve his ability to communicate with […]
Andrea is a TAP client who had her stroke right after the birth of her second child. She shares that depression hit hard during those first two years – whether due to postpartum depression or the impact of aphasia, she doesn’t know. Andrea discovered TAP after moving from Arizona to Cary, where she was welcomed […]
Jeff Fosburg is a retired electrician for General Motors. He had a stroke in February 2022 which resulted in both aphasia and apraxia of speech (AOS). Jeff was and still is an avid bike rider and loves Michigan Sports (Go Lions!). Jeff shares that TAP feels like a family to him. He regularly attends four […]
Eric Cotton is a 23-year-old college athlete who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when he was hit by a car while skateboarding in January 2023. Eric is a huge fan of sports, highly relational and a man of faith. Eric shares that his accident took a lot away from him, but that TAP has […]
