Communication Therapy for Shannon

Shannon Fagnan has severe apraxia and aphasia as a result of her stroke in August 2016. To
date, she's made some good progress in her treatment; thanks to the Foothills hospital, the Red
Deer Hospital and the Halvar Jonson Brain Injury Center and her own incredible determination
to recover her speech. However, the time limited available resources within the Alberta Health
Care system are coming to a close.  Shannon and her current therapists are  frustrated by this
and afraid of stalling her progress. She is also at risk of losing gains she's made. We’ve been
investigating private speech therapy options, and came across an intensive program that has
positive results in making significant gains for clients.

InteRACT is an adult aphasia treatment program in North America that offers clients 4.5 weeks
of intensive speech and language training. The program is run through the Dalhousie University
School of Human Communication Disorders in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

We are excited about the intensity of this treatment. During each week of the program clients
receive 25 hours of speech-language therapy (Monday-Friday). Weekly, the individual with
aphasia receives 15 hours of individual therapy, 5 hours of individual computer therapy and 5
hours of group therapy. In addition there are weekly physiotherapy sessions and individual as
well as group recreation therapy sessions. It is a requirement to bring along a communication
partner and communication partners receive training and participate in partner group sessions.

The total program cost is $ 19,000. Shannon has been accepted to the program for the June18-
July 20th period. We are hoping that funds raised will also support transportation and
accommodations for both Shannon and her communication partners for this period. We will
apply any extra funds to additional private treatments that will support Shannon's continued
improvement and confidence in communication.

We would also ask you for your blessings and
prayers for this endeavour.

Thank you so much for your support.

Shannon & Leo