The CHSC Difference: Stephanie & Ali’s Story of Recovery and Connection

When Stephanie experienced a stroke on October 11, 2021, her life changed in an instant. She was a young, vibrant mother with a thriving career at Case Western Reserve University and suddenly left without the ability to speak.

Ali and Stephanie

Living with aphasia, a communication disorder caused by brain injury, Stephanie faced daily frustrations, isolation, and a future filled with uncertainty.

But then, she found CHSC.
And at CHSC, she found Ali.

Ali, a dedicated speech-language pathologist, meets with Stephanie three times a week. From the beginning, Ali saw more than a diagnosis. She saw a person determined to recover, connect, and live fully.

Thanks to donors like you, CHSC empowers clinicians like Ali with the tools and training they need to support clients through complex journeys. Ali has received ongoing education through:

• An unlimited CEU membership with SpeechPathology.com
• Specialized seminars through the Aphasia Institute
• Attendance ASHA Conventions to stay at the forefront of research and innovation

This professional development, funded by philanthropy, makes a tangible difference. Just ask Stephanie.

Because of your generosity:

• Stephanie was able to say her first spontaneous two-word phrase again after her stroke
• She practices script training with Ali and has begun using customized phrases like “I’m working at Case today” and “I grew up in New York” that help her regain real-life communication
• She has returned to her department at CWRU in a volunteer role twice a week, staying connected to her community
• She’s now working to build a network for other young stroke survivors, raising awareness that stroke and aphasia can impact anyone, regardless of age

Her progress isn’t just medical—it’s deeply human. And it’s made possible by you.

At CHSC, we believe in more than clinical excellence. We believe in relationships, trust, and care that’s as personal as the recovery journey itself.

Stephanie’s story is one of many—but every story is unique. And every step forward is a testament to your support.

Thank you for inspiring expert care. Thank you for inspiring recovery. Thank you for inspiring hope.

💛 Want to help more clients like Stephanie?
Make a gift today and be the reason someone thrives.