Aphasia Centre celebrates anniversary with open house

In January 1999, Rosemary de Catanzaro endured a series of strokes that left her paralyzed on the right side of her body.

As with many individuals who are stroke survivors or who have experienced significant head injuries, de Catanzaro lives with a condition known as aphasia — a communication disorder that impairs her ability to verbalize her thoughts.

Initially, her communication was limited to basic, monosyllabic words. But with patience and support from family, friends, and physicians, she learned how to form short sentences again, although it is still sometimes difficult for her to communicate what she wants.

For 12 years, de Catanzaro taught English as a second language to elementary school students, and also sang as the lead soprano in her church choir for more than a decade. The greatest challenge she currently faces is remaining socially stimulated, now that her ability to explore her two greatest passions is limited.

Almost everyone who lives with aphasia, including de Catanzaro, will stress that it does not impair the memory or the intellect. “The main thing I want people to know is that I’m still here. I’m mentally alert. I’m still the same person I’ve always been, even though it’s a struggle for me to form words.”

From the onset of her disability, she has been a member of the Aphasia Centre of Ottawa, an organization run by a dedicated group of speech therapists, social workers and compassionate volunteers who work with aphasic members of the community and help them improve their ability to communicate.

On Nov. 26, the Aphasia Centre will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the staff are hosting their inaugural open house at 2081 Merivale Rd., Suite 300, between 3:30 and 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be served. All are welcome to attend free of charge. For additional details, contact the Aphasia Centre at 613-567-1119.