Tag Archive

Going Blue for Brandi | Brandi’s Story

February 5, 2024 General, News, Success Story, UCLL, UMAP

Family has always been a central value for Brandi Garden. For over 30 years, she focused on raising two children and building a life with her husband, Doug.  She remained close to her family, including her sister, aunts, uncles, and…

Singing Again After Aphasia | Bruce’s Story

December 20, 2023 General, News, Success Story, UCLL, UMAP

“Would you wear a helmet, please? You really need to get a helmet.” “Why? I know, but the good ones are expensive.” “To protect your head. It’s your head.” “I’ll think about it.” These words would haunt Bruce and Jeanne…

Waking Up With Aphasia | Al’s Story

September 7, 2023 General, News, Success Story, UCLL, UMAP

Waking up in an intensive care unit (ICU) would be a scary experience for anyone. Waking up in an ICU and not being able to speak? Even scarier.  Al and Gretchen (photo courtesy of Gretchen). In 2020, Al and Gretchen…

Faith, Family, and Church Community See Jeff and Mariah through the Challenges of Aphasia

June 1, 2023 General, News, Success Story, UCLL, UMAP

Chapter 1 Jeff Windt enjoyed preaching and working with local families. The tools of his trade were words. For years, Jeff had been a pillar in his community. He was a leader at Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina,…

Like Daughter, Like Mother – Finding the Beauty in Aphasia

May 11, 2023 General, News, Success Story, UCLL, UMAP

Parents hope to share a bond with their children, especially as they get older. After years of raising and nurturing a child, many parents look forward to getting to see their children grow into adults and appreciate who they are…

Shedding Light on Aphasia: Carol’s Story

August 18, 2021 General, News, Success Story, UCLL, UMAP

Meet Carol Viventi Born and raised in Detroit, Carol Viventi currently lives in East Lansing, Michigan with her family. Carol had a stroke three years ago, and has both apraxia and aphasia. We asked Carol, a U-M Aphasia Program client,…

Taking a Teamwork Approach to Recovery: Tom and Janice’s Story

January 13, 2020 Success Story, UMAP

  Name: Tom and Janice Herlihy Hometown: Burlingame, California  Tom and Janice are the kind of couple that when you mention one, you usually mention the other. Traveling, raising their kids, moving cross country, enjoying life — Tom and Janice,…

Searching For Teletherapy, Finding UMAP

December 13, 2019 Success Story, UCLL, UMAP

Stacy and Rhetta Johnstone  Hometown: Ventura, California Stacy and Rhetta Johnstone have been together for 40 years. “We kinda grew up together,” said Rhetta. “It’s always been fun being with Stacy.”  After Stacy’s stroke in 2016 and subsequent aphasia and…

Aphasia Ambassador and Advocate: Amy Walters

August 14, 2019 News, Success Story

In continuation of our Aphasia Ambassador series, we are excited to shine a spotlight on California resident and U-M Aphasia Program (UMAP) client Amy Walters. Amy and her husband Dave have attended three intensive UMAP sessions and are active ambassadors…

Josh and Lauren’s Story: Finding a Support System – At Home and at UMAP

January 25, 2019 Caregiver, News, Success Story

Josh and Lauren Mathews Hometown: Nashville, TN Six years ago Josh Mathews suffered a brain injury when he was attacked outside a bar. In an instant, everything changed for Josh and his wife, Lauren. He was left unable to speak,…