MIDLAND Twenty years ago, a vision was born out of the lifechanging events of Chuck Matthews and daughter, Kathryn Shelley. Chuck suffered a stroke that led to a terrifying loss of self-expression, known medically as aphasia (uh-fay-zhuh). This communication disorder is the loss of language (speaking, reading and writing) and typically occurs as a result of a stroke or traumatic brain injury. It knows no boundaries of age, gender, race or profession, a press release said.
After spending time in rehabilitation and making great progress towards healing, Kathryn realized that soon funds would run out and they would have nowhere else to turn for additional care. Wanting more for her father, Kathryn mobilized and sought out fellow West Texans to share her vision for an aphasia center that would focus on not only functional communication, but also holistic care techniques. She met respected philanthropist, the late Nancy Anguish, who would become the Center’s first board president, as well as noted speech-language pathologist, Beth Crawford and CNA, Shun Kelley plus other experts in healthcare, nonprofit governance, business and community leadership. Each changed the future and blazed a trail towards the Aphasia Center of West Texas gaining its 501 (c) 3 status in 2003, the release said.
West Texans are known for taking care of their own. Each trailblazer committed to creating an ongoing community of support for individuals and their families affected by aphasia right here in West Texas. In 2003, the Aphasia Center of West Texas became the second independent aphasia center in the United States to open its doors. Since then, the commitment has never wavered, the release said. The Aphasia Center of West Texas continues to equip members with vital aphasia education, adaptive communication strategies and friends who walk in their shoes.
With over 2000 people served, from 2003 to 2023, the Aphasia Center Board has committed that no one ever be turned away because of inability to pay for services. This devastating disorder often robs people of not only their ability to communicate, but also of their livelihoods. In response, the Aphasia Center established a sliding scale scholarship fund to help individuals needing financial assistance. Recently, inflation, increased demand for services, and higher expenses pose a challenge in providing services. Rising to the occasion at this pivotal time, the Aphasia Center is introducing the new Speak Up! Sustainers Circle. On October 1, the Aphasia Center will launch the monthly donor program with a campaign to raise $20,000 in 20 days. Monthly donations help ensure that survivors coping with aphasia continue to receive the transformative education and support they need to live their best life. To join this special group of aphasia supporters, visit aphasiawtx.org and click the donate button.
Aphasia
- Stroke is the number one cause of long-term disability in the U.S. with approximately 40% of stroke survivors acquiring aphasia (a chronic reduction in speaking, reading and writing).
- Approximately one in every 250 people in the Permian Basin faces the challenge of aphasia.
- The Aphasia Center of West Texas empowers people with aphasia and their families with practical communication strategies, peer networking, and educational training so those coping with aphasia can live life to its fullest.
- The Aphasia Center of West Texas was the second independent aphasia center to open in the U.S.
- For more information, call (432) 699-1261 or aphasiawtx.org.
