Today we meet Kimberley, who persevered through hardships growing up. On Thanksgiving Day 2012, a stroke furthered that storyline—leaving her unable to speak in a hospital hallway despite desperate attempts to call for help. The stroke caused aphasia, affecting her ability to find words.

Now Kimberley not only perseveres in her own life, but also advocates for all people with aphasia. She wears "aphasia" t-shirts daily to engage and teach others, and even plans to speak with people in Congress with her group from University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center. Kimberley is offering her lived experience and voice to make way for a more supportive and just environment for people living with aphasia.

Kimberley’s journey shows that advocacy begins with curiosity, listening, and compassion—and flourishes through courage to engage.

Suggested Resources:

• Pittsburgh VA Hospital PIRATE (Program for Intensive Residential Aphasia Treatment & Education) Program
• University of Pittsburgh Community Aphasia Center

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What practices help you prepare for challenges ahead?

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Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

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