Aphasia Center of West Texas, Inc.

The Aphasia Center
In February of this year my husband Roy had two strokes. The first one was at church, and I was the first to recognize symptoms. We left church (he drove) and went to a favorite restaurant. He was unaware of what was happening, but I grew more and more concerned. I actually texted our pastor and his wife to pray while we were eating. Later that day Roy started packing for a trip to Dallas. I tried to talk him out of it, but if you look in the dictionary under stubborn you’ll find his picture. He packed and drove to Dallas (I told you he was stubborn) and I told him if he started feeling odd to go to the hospital. His speech was slurred and his face was drawn on one side, and yet he went. That evening he did begin to feel off. He noticed he couldn’t touch his nose with his finger and his arm was extra heavy. He had more symptoms so he drove to an emergency center where the nurse notified him that they couldn’t deal with strokes. She suggested he drive himself just down the road to the hospital. I was not a happy camper as he relayed this bit of information to me. She said it could take two hours for an ambulance to get to him, so he drove. Thankfully once he made it to the hospital they took all him symptoms very seriously. He called me from the ER and announced his situation. I was a combination of terrified and mad as a soggy hen (and my hens can testify to disliking being soggy). 
To make a long week’s story short I will simply say, thank you to my stepdaughter and stepson for rushing to Dallas to take care of their dad. I was stuck at home with a yard full of chickens, four dogs and three cats. Talk about being too busy to feel as helpless as a woman tied to a world full of critters. They cared for him, and even brought his car home once he was stable and ready to come home. 
Part of Roy’s rehabilitation was to visit the Aphasia Center. I had never heard of Aphasia until this lovely adventure progressed. I knew many of the side effects of strokes having spent many hours of my childhood ministering in nursing homes with my mother. My grandfather had at least five strokes that I remember. He never lost his ability to communicate as far as I can recall, but he changed a great deal because of them. 
Shortly after Roy’s first visit at the Aphasia Center he began volunteering. He didn’t have too many residual symptoms from his strokes, but he did have some difficulty recalling words from time to time. He still does. The best thing that came out of his volunteering is that he could recognize those challenges that came from the stroke and he was much more patient with himself. He showed a side of himself that seldom surfaced before and that was great compassion and a huge desire to help others who had had strokes. I remember joining an event at the center and Roy helping one of his fellow stroke survivors with a game we were playing. He got up, went over to his friend and simply made it easier for him to play. He also helped with the food and anything else he saw needed done. I’ve known he was a lover and a sweet man, but he has always been hesitant to show it out loud. He likes to hide and do nice things. He became very hands on and I’m delighted. 
He loves working with everyone at the Aphasia Center, and has nothing but shining words for everyone involved. He’s away in the DFW area today as a first responder to the hurricane. I’m so thrilled that his doctors recommended he visit there, it has truly changed his life. He has a bunch of special people he calls friends, and his recovery has been helped in a bunch of ways as he comes to understand what happens to the brain and body during and after a stroke. I can’t say enough good things about the folks that work there. They are caring, sensitive and so very helpful. We recommend the Aphasia Center every single time we discover either a care giver or a person who has suffered a stroke and doesn’t know about the center. Huge blessing to us!

Mr. And Mrs. Roy Cherry

The ACWT staff is a group of top notch individuals who are caring, understanding, knowledgable, and passionate beyond belief for those with aphasia as well as their loved ones. I cannot say enough great things about the selfless volunteers as well whom give countless hours serving year after year because of their devotion. ACWT is truly a family!

I have been a member of the staff of the Aphasia Center for 5 years. I had only private sector professional experience prior to working at ACWT, however, I find all the staff members very professional, friendly, and the most compassionate and hard working people I've ever met. Every staff role is unique and professional, and all undergo training specific to the needs of those with aphasia. The board members, families of members, and volunteers at the Center are a delight to work with, all with the singular purpose of making this the best place in the world for those with aphasia. Having volunteered with many organizations over the decades, I find the aphasia center very well run, and the perfect place to meet the needs and desires of those people with aphasia and their families. The ACWT is a life changing, happy place!

My sister Frankie suffered a massive stroke several years ago. The Aphasia Center has changed her life! She is a vital part of her community now. She is a member of Toastmasters, bakes and decorates fabulous cakes and is able to verbally communicate. Thank you Aphasia Center for giving my sister confidence to do anything.

My sister had a massive stroke, almost 10 years ago. The Aphasia center has helped her tremendously with her speech, being able to do every day things that we all take for granted, and they have given her confidence to attempt and do the things that she loves. Thank you Aphasia Center for being there for my sister, Frankie Wickham!