Personal Stories: Communication After Stroke

The Belle of Aphasia
Julie Harris has won five Tony Awards for Best Actress, more than any other actor or actress. She’s also won a lifetime achievement Tony and three Emmys. But after a stroke at age 75, it looked like she would have to put all of that behind her. Although her only deficit was aphasia, when you make your living speaking, aphasia is more than an inconvenience, it’s a career ender. At age 80 she attended the University of Michigan Aphasia Program, and her speech is making a comeback.

Partners in the Aftermath of Aphasia
Ron Hoover of Durham, North Carolina had a stroke when he was just 34 years old. It left him with severe aphasia, unable to say a single word of his choosing. He and wife Jane had been married just seven years and had an infant daughter. Though he never recovered his speech, Ron and Jane have created a meaningful and satisfying life over the past 34 years. Jane’s recounting of their story is one of love, loyalty, determination and creativity in living every day with a challenging condition.