In Their Words: Aphasia Experiences – Theron

News, Success Story

In the spirit of Let’s #TalkAboutAphasia, the National Aphasia Association‘s nationwide aphasia awareness campaign, we wanted to do just that — talk about aphasia — but we also wanted to ensure the voices of people with aphasia were part of our conversation. Which is why we launched a video series called In Their Words: Aphasia Experiences. 

In Part 3 of the series, Theron, a cherry farmer along Michigan’s northwest coast, had a massive stroke and has been working intensely to regain communication skills. He addresses the challenges of aphasia — including the fact that while he might be fine overall and aphasia does not stop him from working and other life activities, it also makes things more difficult.

(Turn on closed captioning by clicking the CC button on the bottom menu and selecting English or scroll down for a transcript.)

Video Transcript

– I’m Theron Coleman. And my home is Lake Leelenau, Michigan. And I had a massive stroke. And it’s hard, it’s hard. Let’s begin. Yes. I know the word, and I can’t get it out. Dude, it’s hard, it’s hard. I work, it’s fine. Cherries, cherries, cherries. I’m a farmer, yep. I’m like, I’m fine, get it out, and I play hockey, and I play golf, and, kids, it’s hard to do. It’s, it’s a lot of work, and, it’s patience, patience. Like, read, or, the reading, it’s not good. Like, writing, and, speaking, or, what’s the, right here somewhere. I dunno, whatever.

– [Interviewer] What’s the thing that you want people to know about aphasia?

– Yeah, like slow down, and, yeah, and it’s hard, it’s hard, I have aphasia. That’s enough.

About the In Their Words Series

In the series, we ask our current and former clients and care partners to talk about their experiences with aphasia — the good, the bad, and the sometimes surprising.

The brief videos (3 minutes or less) are shot informally, and we asked our participants to communicate freely about aphasia from their perspective. Some opted to write and then read from their prepared statements. Others preferred more interview style-interactions for the videos.

Please help spread the word about aphasia — share these videos and help get the conversation started.

Click here for all of the videos:
In Their Words Playlist


Are You Dealing with Language Loss After a Stroke?

To learn more about UMAP and what we might be able to do for you or your loved one, call (734) 764-8440 or email ucll@umich.edu to get the conversation started.