Pat Benatar once declared love as a battlefield, but it doesn’t take much Heart to support the Aphasia Center of West Texas’ annual fundraiser.
All you need to do is declare that you love rock n’ roll.
For their 15th annual Aphasia Awareness Concert, the organization has scheduled the Divas of Rock, a California-based cover band performing hits from Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks and Heart, to name a few.
“We are super excited,” said Kity Binek, executive director of the Aphasia Center of West Texas. “It’s going to be a fun night.”
Tickets will cost $10 in advance for general admission and $15 at the gate for all guests 13 and older. Sponsorships are also available. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on during the concert.
A language disorder affecting a person’s ability to communicate, aphasia usually happens suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. Skills such as reading, writing and speaking are affected, but there is no loss of intelligence.
“The best way to describe it is as you went to a foreign country where you did not read, speak or write the language,” Binek said. “You would still be the same person that you are here in the States, but you’re going to have a hard time communicating.”
Working alongside local health facilities and rehab centers, the Aphasia Center of West Texas offers programming from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. People can utilize as many of the services provided for $150 a month.
Program offerings include conversation groups and expand to include communication skill development and practical communication required during various activities.
Those activities include gardening, music, cooking and more. Conversations are facilitated by trained staff and volunteers and are structured to allow members a chance to share ideas, thoughts and opinions. Skills groups are focused on helping members reach their personal goals in reading, writing comprehension and expression.
Having offered services for more than 20 years, Binek said fundraisers like the Aphasia Awareness Concert, along with Chocolate Decadence, allow them to continue to provide services.
“I think it’s important for people to know that the Aphasia Center of West Texas has the privilege of being the second independent aphasia center in the entire United States to open our doors,” she said.
If you go
- What: 15th annual Aphasia Awareness Concert.
- When: Saturday, April 27. VIP party will begin at 6:15 p.m., and concessions for general admission will start at 7:15 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: The Horseshoe Amphitheater, 2514 Arena Trail, Midland.
- Cost: Advance tickets are $10 for guests 13 and older and $15 at the gate.
- Visit aphasiawtx.org/concert for more information.
- Call: 432-699-1261 or more information.
