*Shared with Permission
Two years ago Harol had a brain stem stroke. He could not chew, swallow, or speak a single word. I was getting my private practice going at the time and was seeing only Parkinson’s patients at the Rehab. My coworkers at the Rehab asked me to make an exception and see Harol since not much progress was being made and I was certified in Neuromuscular Electrostimulation. How glad I am that agreed!
We immediately saw improvement. When Harol went home from the Rehab, a new home health speech therapist was assigned to him. Progress waned and so did Harol’s motivation. His wife contacted me and we jumped through some hoops; I was approved as an out-of-network provider. He went from not eating anything to eventually eating whatever he wanted.
We also worked on communication. We tried a communication device which was a disaster 
. We kept working on voicing and motor speech. When insurance ran out, we found a private donor. We coordinated physical therapy with an office close by their house that has a Spanish-speaking therapist.
. We kept working on voicing and motor speech. When insurance ran out, we found a private donor. We coordinated physical therapy with an office close by their house that has a Spanish-speaking therapist.Today I had my last session with Harol. He has reached his goal of “speaking blessings” over the phone to his mother in Venezuela. 
Heartfelt thanks to the interpreters who stepped in and helped us when Google Translate wasn’t cutting it. Thanks to the private donor.
Heartfelt thanks to the interpreters who stepped in and helped us when Google Translate wasn’t cutting it. Thanks to the private donor.And thanks to Harol and Alfonsina for allowing me to be a part of your recovery.
