Pittsburgh Marathon for Aphasia

The National Aphasia Association defines Aphasia  as “an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to process language, but does not affect intelligence. Aphasia impairs the ability to speak and understand others.” Most often, Aphasia occurs following a stroke.  In May (Better Hearing and Speech Month), I am running the Pittsburgh marathon to bring awareness to Aphasia, so that people living with chronic Aphasia do not have to suffer in silence.  Nearly everyone knows what a stroke is, but Aphasia is something that the general public knows very little about. This can make it very difficult for a person with Aphasia to communicate across their daily lives. With quality language therapy from a speech language pathologist for the stroke survivor, and education for the public regarding how to best communicate with a person with Aphasia, we can lessen the frustration and isolation that people with Aphasia feel. 

But why a marathon to bring awareness to such a cause? Running has always been a way for me to process and think, but in growing in my career as a medical speech language pathologist, running has become an opportunity for me to pray for my patients and troubleshoot their care. In many ways, running has made me a better therapist. Being a therapist of people with such hope, grit,  guts, and perseverance has made me a better runner. When I feel like quitting because of fatigue or pain, I remember the ability of so many patients that I have worked with to dig deep and push through. Watching people have hope, work HARD,  defy odds, heal themselves, and become medical miracles has deeply inspired me in my faith and fueled my desire to help improve quality of life for those living with and fighting Aphasia. 



Truly though, if I’m honest, this race is about more than raising awareness of a communication disorder. It’s EXTREMELY personal. It has been a privledge, not only to serve people with Aphasia, but to know many of them well enough to LOVE them like FAMILY.

Finally, I’d specifically like to dedicate this marathon to the stroke anniversary of a very special patient that continues to teach me how to love with less words, to persevere through trials, and who continues to let her halarious, fun, and outgoing personality shine through. You have touched my life and my practice as a clinician. I am so grateful for you!

As I continue to devote my hours of training to healing prayers and analyzing treatment, please join me in supporting the National  Aphasia Association, Inc. (Naa). Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about National Aphasia Association, Inc. (Naa): Our mission is to promote universal awareness and understanding of aphasia and provide support to all persons with aphasia, their families and caregivers.