Help send Piet to speech therapy!

As many of you know, Piet suffered from a stroke on September 13, 2017. And although he is physically ok, verbally he is not. The stroke happened on the left side of his brain and now has aphasia. Aphasia is loss of ability to understand or express speech, caused by brain damage. Piet knows what he wants to say, however, he is unable to get it from his brain to his mouth and say it. 

Since his stroke, Piet has made some great strides. He returned to work in February on a part time basis. He exercises regularly. He leads a normal life........with the exceptional of not being able to effectively communicate with others. He has had speech therapy, but due to insurance, his therapy sessions will run out soon.  In addition, he needs a more intense program. His stroke not only took his speech away, it has challenged him mentally and emotionally. Remember how Piet would always have something to say? Well, that part is lost, and we need to help him find it again.

While on this journey with Piet, I (Kayla - Piet's girlfriend), have met some wonderful people with an incredible amount of knowledge, skill, and advice surrounding strokes, aphasia, and recovery. One of these fine people, Carol Dow-Richards, suggested that Piet attend an intense therapy session at the University of Michigan. This is a world renowned program with highly individualized and concentrated therapy. This is what Piet needs. Desperately.

So, we started the application process, and the next day we got contacted! Attending this program comes at a price. Piet will be going to this program from November 26-December 20. The total price for the program is $19,000. In addition, he will be staying at an area hotel and paying for his own meals. Plain and simple, Piet doesn't have the money for this. We are looking in to see if insurance will help, but aren't encouraged. And, he will be missing 19 days of work.

So, we are asking for your help. Help us send Piet to therapy. Help him get his speech back.  Your contribution will not only get him the therapy that he desperately needs, but you will be part of his story. On September 13, 2017, life not only changed for Piet, but for all those who love him. He is 100% dedicated to this program, and excited for the opportunity.

Thank you so much for considering a donation to Piet's road to therapy. We are both grateful.