Dr. Fabiane Hirsch Kruse, director of Clinical Services at Friends of Aphasia, with Rona Howard, one of the clients at the Aphasia Center of Tucson.
June 11, 2020
Featured on the June 11th, 2020 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:
- In a world without the COVID-19 pandemic, this month would have included the 50th official Tucson observance of Juneteenth. It commemorates the date of June 19th, 1865, when the last American slaves learned they were free. It is also a chance to celebrate hope for a future of equality and justice. Guest essayist Andrés Portela III, a native of Sierra Vista, shares what this year’s Juneteenth can mean for all of us. The music with this essay is by KP.
VIEW LARGER Andrés Alexander Portela III - June is National Aphasia Awareness Month. Meet a group based in Tucson that share one thing in common - the language disorder called aphasia. Depending on the severity, it can make verbal communication close to impossible, and can complicate many matters that are often taken for granted. Find out how The Aphasia Center of Tucson overcame social distancing by taking their support group meetings online. In the process, they met new friends and made their connection even stronger.
"Push Ridge", oil painting by TurningBear, a member of The Aphasia Center of Tucson.
Aphasia Kathleen unsized
Kathleen appreciates the patience and understanding she finds at The Aphasia Center of Tucson. Kathleen is living with aphasia as the result of a car accident.
Aphasia Marc unsized
Aphasia has affected Marc's ability to speak, but he still is a fluent reader. His sense of humor is an asset to his recovery process, and those of his friends.
Aphasia Manny unsized
Throughout his ten years of living with aphasia, Manny has continued to enjoy doing home improvement projects, and often uses drawing to communicate if words fail him. When he goes hiking, he looks for tree branches that can be crafted into walking sticks.
Aphasia Amy unsized
Amy (3rd from left), with her family. When asked to describe aphasia in one word, Amy says it "sucks", because it takes so much more mental energy to communicate. The Aphasia Center group agreed strongly with her sentiment.
Aphasia Rona unsized
Rona enjoys adventure, and off-roading in the desert around Tucson. She mainly uses her phone for communication, and says that often causes others to assume that she is deaf.
Aphasia TurningBear unsized
Artist TurningBear, and his first oil painting after he transitioned from using his right hand to paint with his left hand. He is the survivor of two strokes.
Aphasia Gary unsized
Gary proudly cuddles his granddaughter, Mia. A former Tucsonan now living in Florida, Gary was able to participate once again in Aphasia Center meetings when they moved online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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