Julia Macaluso - Fitness for Aphasia!

Hello! My name is Julia Macaluso and I am in my final year of grad school for speech and language pathology. During my time as a graduate clinician, I have worked closely with adults with communication disorders, sharing in their frustrations and celebrating their triumphs. 

This semester, I have had the privilege of working with two adults with aphasia, a communication impairment resulting from injury to the brain’s language centers, even while leaving intelligence intact. I have developed a deep admiration for their journey and their commitment staying positive while making the absolute most of their new communication status.

That's why I've joined the Fitness for Aphasia team to raise funds for the American Aphasia Society (AAS). The AAS is a local non-profit whose mission is to educate the nation about aphasia, improve access to resources, provide hope, and better lives. And since stroke is the #1 cause of aphasia, I've made a pledge to exercise at least 150 minutes each week to promote cardiovascular health as a vital component of stroke prevention.

Through the Fitness for Aphasia fundraiser, I hope to raise awareness of stroke and its impacts, share strategies for communicating with people with aphasia, and support the AAS in their mission to serve the local aphasia community. You can help me by reading my posts to learn more, sharing my page through email or on social media, donating to the cause, or even providing encouragement as I hit the gym in 30 degree weather! Thank you for helping us amplify the voices of a community who has so much to say, and must work very hard to do so!