Alyssa’s Story

Alyssa is a funny, creative, and independent person. She’s participated in public speaking events and craft fairs. An incident a few years ago put everything at risk — but, with the help of her SCI Supports Planner and family, Alyssa has been able to experience a wonderful life.

Alyssa, who is now 23 years old, has severe aphasia brought on by a massive stroke she suffered in 2019 while studying abroad in Ireland. She had an emergency craniectomy and remained in an Ireland hospital for two months before flying back to the U.S. to move to another hospital for two weeks.

In those early days, Alyssa couldn’t breathe or swallow on her own. She couldn’t walk or talk. Some doctors said she might not get better. But after years of speech, physical, and occupational therapies — and work with SCI — she’s begun to thrive.

In early 2020, Alyssa was referred to SCI. Her Supports Planner, Andi began to build a bond with her while developing a person-centered plan of service designed to meet her health and safety needs in the community.

Now, Alyssa receives home-delivered meals to optimize her independence, personal care assistance that helps her as she takes care of herself and her home, and ongoing Supports Planning and nurse monitoring to support her overall health.

Because of the help she receives from her SAndi and family, Alyssa has been able to live a fulfilling life. She lives independently in a beautiful apartment in Prince Frederick, Maryland, and travels throughout the state — and country — to speak about her experience with aphasia and the challenges that come with it.

According to Andi, Alyssa always has a smile on. “She’s equally sarcastic and resilient — and inspiring to all the people she comes across.”

Be sure to check out her appearance in “Their Words: An Aphasia Documentary Series,” where Alyssa and the people she loves the most talk about life with aphasia.