The Aphasia Community Center held its Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023 in June. There was a crowd of approximately 94 people who attended. At the dinner, we learned ways to communicate with people with Aphasia. Those attending engaged in an activity highlighting what experiencing Aphasia is like.
One attendee stated, “I’m so glad you invited me to the Aphasia Awareness Dinner. I learned so much & met more interesting people than ever before in Sarasota. I appreciated the amazing personal stories of people living successfully with Aphasia. The whole thing was so well conceived and executed. I learned so much.”
Another guest said, “…that was one of the most moving and meaningful experiences of my life. Thank you so much for including me.”
Members who presented and are living successfully with Aphasia:
- Jim Kasper – 2 years post-stroke. Jim has Aphasia and alexia, which affects his ability to read. Jim showed us how his reading is improving and how much he enjoys the Aphasia Community Center.
- Rick Reese – 6 years post-stroke. Rick uses a device to speak at church as a greeter, at work to communicate with customers, at the gym to connect with friends, and in restaurants to order meals and drinks.
- Hank Prince – 8 years post-stroke. Hank enjoys Jan Bisset’s Reading Group at the ACC and Coffee Chat with Arlene Okawa. He is making new friends and enjoys participating in aphasia research. One of Hank’s favorite activities is reading; he provided recommendations for two of his recent favorite books.
- Gene Kapica – 5 years post-stroke. Gene, who used his cell phone to speak, proudly reported a hole-in-one on the golf course where he plays in an adaptive golf league. Gene volunteers at HealthFit three days a week. In addition, Gene has a new car that will fit his recumbent bike and get him to the beach.
- Tom Boyle – 23 years post-stroke. Tom volunteers with Florida Adaptive Golf Association and has achieved a hole-in-one on the golf course three times! Tom co-hosts the Suncoast Aphasia Support Group and runs the Sports Talk Group and the Siesta Key Group. He says, “NEVER give up! You CAN live successfully with Aphasia!”
Other members who were recognized
- Michelle Spencer was recognized because she has returned to her full-time job! Congrats!
- Sheila O’Brien was recognized because she managed a medical emergency with her husband. She used her communication skills to navigate the healthcare systems, advocate for her husband, and successfully facilitate his return home. She had to step outside her comfort zone and did an excellent job!
Donations were raised through one-time and recurring gifts. Funds were also raised through a silent auction for pottery items made by one of our members, Sheila O’Brien. It is not too late to donate! If you would like to contribute, please consider a recurring donation, which helps with budgeting. You can donate here: DONATE. All donations go directly to the Aphasia Community Center and are used to provide FREE classes and resources to our members. We appreciate the gifts because they help us to implement our mission and support our local aphasia community.
Finally, we thank our fabulous sponsors, Concordia Lutheran Church, Thrivent Financial, and Publix. Our volunteers in the kitchen, at the donation and check-in tables, and taking photos were invaluable. We appreciate everything our sponsors and volunteers did to help this event succeed.
Pictures provided by Erika Boyle and Melissa Lim
The Panel of Speakers at the Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023
The Boyles welcoming friends at the Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023.
The Audience Participating in an Aphasia Simulation at the Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023
Thanks to our wonderful volunteers checking people in.
Thanks to our many donors for making the Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023 a huge success.
The table toppers offered suggestions for communicating with a person with Aphasia.
Thank you to the fabulous donation table volunteers.
Lasagna dinner from Olive Garden. Yum!
Many thanks to the kitchen helpers.
Lots of stimulating conversations at the Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023.
Jim Kasper sharing his living successfully with Aphasia story with the audience. the screen shows Jim reading to his granddaughter.
Gene Kapica sharing his story as Rick Reese looks on at the Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023. The screen shows Gene riding his recumbent bike.
Hank Prince speaking at the Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023. The screen shows two books that Hank recommends for reading.
Dr. Donna Polelle sharing the 2023 National Aphasia Association video about communicating with people who have Aphasia.
Aphasia Community Center information
Beth Kasper welcoming new friends at the Aphasia Awareness Dinner 2023.
