EUGENE — There is something to be said about the power of community. The often strenuous nature of a physical or emotional obstacle is best served with someone to share it with, and in the Aphasia Conversation Group’s case, over autumnal Scattergories and peals of laughter.
As indicated by its name, the group is comprised of individuals facing aphasia. This language disorder makes it challenging to communicate verbally, comprehend the words of others, and read and write. Strokes, injuries to the head, advanced Parkinson’s disease, and dementia are some of the most common causes.
To provide support for those facing the disorder, Cecelia Pizano, group leader, and speech-language pathologist, gathers with members at the Campbell Community Center on High Street in Eugene on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month to participate in hands-on activities and language-building efforts.
Group members make succulent habitats.
“People who experience difficulty communicating are at risk of social withdrawal, and this can cause a cascade of complications including declining cognition, depression, and overall health outcomes decline,” Pizano wrote in an email. “This group was started with the intent of combatting this by keeping people engaged and connecting them to others in a similar situation.”
Serving alongside Pizano are University of Oregon students studying speech pathology.
“I think it’s really great to make more connections with people in the community, and I’m glad that we have this safe space altogether,” Taryn Coulson, group volunteer, said.
Tipped off by Pizano, Drew Schmechel, husband, father, runner, and group member, has found comfort and camaraderie in the Aphasia Conversation Group.
“It’s a safe place for people that (have) had strokes,” Schmechel said. “The nicest part about groups like this is you don’t have to explain things because they’ve all been through similar things.”
In 2016, Schmechel experienced a stroke that caused him to lose all feeling on the right side of his body and severely impacted his ability to speak. While the road forward has been challenging, Schmechel continues to seek the silver lining.
“I set goals for myself, usually on a yearly basis. I make small ones and big ones. My ultimate goal? The year before I had my stroke, I ran a half marathon, and my goal is to run the other half,” Schmechel said. “I don’t think I’ll make it, but I’m not taking it off my list.”
Additionally, Schmechel has taken to the coast, renting a scooter to immerse himself in sandy beaches and crisp air. He’s an active participant in a book club at the University of Oregon for survivors of strokes and other brain injuries, his church, and multiple support groups.
Schmechel’s advice to anyone confronted with the effects of a brain injury is to get out there as much as possible.
“Don’t be afraid to speak your story to anybody that’ll listen, because we all have troubles. You may think you’re the only one that has your problem. You’re probably not,” Schmechel said. “I don’t like talking in front of other people, but I find that it’s a way that I can help my community, not just myself, but my community. And I think if we all did that, although this is a great community, it could be a much better community. So be willing to share your story.”
If you or someone you love are interested in joining the Aphasia Conversation Group, contact Cecelia Pizano at [email protected].
