The BYU Aphasia Center and Department of Communication Disorders celebrated its inaugural Aphasia Day conference on Friday, April 11. Organized by students and faculty, the event welcomed individuals with aphasia and their families for a day of learning, connection, and community. The program featured several panels and speakers who shared personal experiences and provided resources for those living with aphasia. The faculty-led choir, NeuroHarmony, performed moving pieces, including “Lean on Me” and “Stand by Me.”
Eric Hawkins, a stroke survivor with aphasia, discussed his journey navigating life after his stroke. Three years ago, Hawkins was working in the communications department for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serving as a stake president in his local congregation when he suffered a stroke that left him relearning even simple tasks. He noted that one of his greatest challenges was learning how to “be and not do.” Having dedicated his life to service, he found it difficult to do much on his own after his stroke. Hawkins expressed that many living with aphasia “may have a hard time determining who [they] are and what [their] purpose is.” He emphasized, “What is needed from [them] today is just to show up, to be willing to listen in silence, to cry with someone who mourns, or to give a sincere embrace.”
“The best is yet to come,” Hawkins said. “God has not forgotten you.”
Wendy Heim shared her perspective as a caregiver for her husband, who has aphasia after suffering a stroke a few years ago. She noted that it can be easy to dwell on the past but emphasized that “dwelling on the past does not move us forward; it distracts from the now, and the now is where we need to be.” After his stroke, Heim and her husband developed ways to communicate using hand signals and learned to slow down to give him space to contribute to conversations. She reflected that caregiving for someone with aphasia includes both good days and bad days, but through it all, they learned to extend grace to one another.
The event also featured multiple breakout sessions where panelists shared their experiences with aphasia and how it has impacted their worship and relationship with God.
“Sometimes we feel like we’ve fallen down, and nobody's there to help us back up, but God’s always there, and He cares about you,” said Wayne Weekly, who developed aphasia after a stroke during surgery. “He cares about where you’re at and what you need and want. Sometimes it’s hard, but listen. You don’t have to listen to all the words going on around you; just listen to God. He believes in you.”
As the NeuroHarmony choir expressed in their song, “Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain; we all have sorrow.” No matter the pain or sorrow, you can always “lean on me when you’re not strong. I’ll be your friend, and I’ll help you carry on.” Aphasia Day provided support for those adjusting to life with aphasia and their caregivers, reinforcing that they are not alone. The inspiring event fostered a sense of belonging, learning, connection, and community, marking the first of many such gatherings.