Lecture Summary:
The discussion featured Mike Caputo, who is a stroke survivor with aphasia, and his experiences before and after his stroke. Mike shared insights about his previous job, his condition, and his current involvement with "Voices of Hope for Aphasia."
Key Points from the Discussion:
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Personal Information:
- Name: Mike Caputo
- Event: Stroke occurred seven years prior to the interview.
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Professional Background:
- Previous Employment: Worked in sales at Autodesk, handling worldwide sales.
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Health Condition:
- Aphasia: Mike experiences difficulty with speech, identified as aphasia—a condition resulting from his stroke.
- Support: His wife assists him in communication.
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Current Role:
- Organization: Voices of Hope for Aphasia
- Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Role: Co-founder alongside Dr. Jackie Hinckley.
- Participants: Approximately 60 members.
- Nature of the Organization: Initially described as a support group, but clarified by Mike and his wife as a program offering activities across three days each week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Activities include laughter, talking, music, and more.
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Personal Insight:
- Effect of Aphasia: Mike described having aphasia as challenging. He emphasized the frustration of not being able to find or understand words even though his cognitive abilities are intact.
The interview provided a glimpse into the life challenges and the adaptations following a severe health event like a stroke, underscoring personal resilience and community support through specialized programs.