I have been on 'vacation', but others are writing about aphasia....
After a stroke
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Review of 'Aphasia (2010)'
Goddess Aphasiadite invited Kevin Cooper to write a review of 'Aphasia, the movie'. Kevin is a movie guru that I ask about movies.
Aphasia (2010)
One in approximately six hundred and forty-nine thousand; this is the probability of being dealt a Royal Flush -- a perfect hand in a game of straight poker. To be dealt such a hand would be considered lucky in every sense of the word, but life in itself is a gamble and with that comes many opportunities for loss & gain. So if you're old enough to be reading the words on this page, then chances are that you've already lived long enough to know that there is more than one type of luck in this oversized Bingo Hall that we call life. And it is this "other luck" that stroke survivor Carl McIntyre has such an intimate relationship with.
In June of 2005, Mr. McIntyre unexpectedly lost his ability to speak, read & write. But to put it more aptly, we should say that these abilities were taken from him as the result of a massive stroke that left 80% of his left hemisphere of his brain damaged. Or as Carl himself would put it, he won "Life's Lottery".
The film Aphasia (written & directed by Jim Gloster) focuses on coming to terms with these "winnings", and stars Carl McIntyre to give a first-hand perspective on what living with Aphasia really means. But more importantly, the film focuses on creating an awareness of this condition and how a person can rise above it.
The movie begins with our humble narrator playing with his children. When tragedy strikes, it is here that the film immediately (and effectively) conveys the helplessness of the main character to the audience as Carl spends nearly forty minutes immobilized on the floor -- his family unaware, and therefore unable to help him. The scene itself only runs for the first five minutes of the film, but it feels like the audience is sharing the entire forty minutes on the floor with Carl while gasps & exasperated sighs resound from almost every seat in the theatre.
Thankfully, Carl eventually receives the medical attention that he needs and so begins his journey into the rehabilitation process.
Like most journeys in our lives, the road can be long & unpredictable; but a healthy combination of determination & stubbornness is oftentimes what separates success from failure. Throughout the remainder of the film, Carl candidly shows us this success scene-after-scene, and frequently leaves the audience with a feeling of true inspiration. Whether he’s enunciating a familiar word for the first time (word on the street is that “shit” and “dick” are pretty popular), or achieving another milestone in his progress, the film never fails to instil us with the same hope that his own family holds for him. The movie consistently avoids being preachy or heavy-handed with its message, and a concise running time keeps viewers engaged without overstaying its welcome.
Immediately following the screening of the film, the audience was delighted to discover that Mr. McIntyre was actually in the very same room for his Canadian debut. Thereafter, much time was spent getting to know more about Carl’s progress, as well as his dedication to the cause. To say the least, the hurdles he has overcome is a remarkable achievement all its own; but to say the most, his progress has been nothing short of a miracle.
Thomas Edison once told us that “many of life’s failures are people who do not realize how close they were to success when they gave up”. Carl McIntyre did not give up. And this is an example for not only those who are living with Aphasia, but also for those who are simply living.
Special thanks to Judy Arbique & Anne Rendell, who gave everyone the opportunity to see this wonderful film.
- Kevin M. Cooper, WGA/WGC -
Aphasia (2010)
One in approximately six hundred and forty-nine thousand; this is the probability of being dealt a Royal Flush -- a perfect hand in a game of straight poker. To be dealt such a hand would be considered lucky in every sense of the word, but life in itself is a gamble and with that comes many opportunities for loss & gain. So if you're old enough to be reading the words on this page, then chances are that you've already lived long enough to know that there is more than one type of luck in this oversized Bingo Hall that we call life. And it is this "other luck" that stroke survivor Carl McIntyre has such an intimate relationship with.
In June of 2005, Mr. McIntyre unexpectedly lost his ability to speak, read & write. But to put it more aptly, we should say that these abilities were taken from him as the result of a massive stroke that left 80% of his left hemisphere of his brain damaged. Or as Carl himself would put it, he won "Life's Lottery".
The film Aphasia (written & directed by Jim Gloster) focuses on coming to terms with these "winnings", and stars Carl McIntyre to give a first-hand perspective on what living with Aphasia really means. But more importantly, the film focuses on creating an awareness of this condition and how a person can rise above it.
The movie begins with our humble narrator playing with his children. When tragedy strikes, it is here that the film immediately (and effectively) conveys the helplessness of the main character to the audience as Carl spends nearly forty minutes immobilized on the floor -- his family unaware, and therefore unable to help him. The scene itself only runs for the first five minutes of the film, but it feels like the audience is sharing the entire forty minutes on the floor with Carl while gasps & exasperated sighs resound from almost every seat in the theatre.
Thankfully, Carl eventually receives the medical attention that he needs and so begins his journey into the rehabilitation process.
Like most journeys in our lives, the road can be long & unpredictable; but a healthy combination of determination & stubbornness is oftentimes what separates success from failure. Throughout the remainder of the film, Carl candidly shows us this success scene-after-scene, and frequently leaves the audience with a feeling of true inspiration. Whether he’s enunciating a familiar word for the first time (word on the street is that “shit” and “dick” are pretty popular), or achieving another milestone in his progress, the film never fails to instil us with the same hope that his own family holds for him. The movie consistently avoids being preachy or heavy-handed with its message, and a concise running time keeps viewers engaged without overstaying its welcome.
Immediately following the screening of the film, the audience was delighted to discover that Mr. McIntyre was actually in the very same room for his Canadian debut. Thereafter, much time was spent getting to know more about Carl’s progress, as well as his dedication to the cause. To say the least, the hurdles he has overcome is a remarkable achievement all its own; but to say the most, his progress has been nothing short of a miracle.
Thomas Edison once told us that “many of life’s failures are people who do not realize how close they were to success when they gave up”. Carl McIntyre did not give up. And this is an example for not only those who are living with Aphasia, but also for those who are simply living.
Special thanks to Judy Arbique & Anne Rendell, who gave everyone the opportunity to see this wonderful film.
- Kevin M. Cooper, WGA/WGC -
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
"Life is Larger"
Awesome! I saw this video 1 year after my stroke, when Anne and I visited the Aphasia Institute in September 2009. "Life is Larger" gave me chills....it is simple but so moving...and, I met some of these people when I was there.
So glad that I was share with you...thank-you Aphasia Institute! Happy 30th birthday!
Life is Larger
The Aphasia Institute has good services and supports...check it out.
Aphasia Institute
So glad that I was share with you...thank-you Aphasia Institute! Happy 30th birthday!
Life is Larger
The Aphasia Institute has good services and supports...check it out.
Aphasia Institute
Eye-opening message
On Sunday June 26, 2011 one of the participants at the 'Aphasia, the movie' on June 15, 2011 wrote to the Voice of the People (Chronicle Herald, Nova Scotia). This was her review....
I would like to thank the Nova Scotia Aphasia Association for bringing Carl Macintyre’s presentation and movie Aphasia to Halifax this month. The event was well-attended, informative and enjoyable. Carl Macintyre is a charming man, a stroke survivor whose persistence and love of life have helped him overcome the communication (speech) barrier, aphasia.
His message was an eye-opener for all in attendance, not only those living with aphasia. First, life can change in an instant so be thankful for the important things: laughter, family and good friends. Second, why are we all in such a rush? We work fast, eat fast, and SPEAK fast. We need to slow down, consider others and live each moment fully before it passes.
I highly recommend a booking of Carl’s presentation for all health care providers and affiliates of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Cindy Beaton, Halifax
Eye-opening message
I would like to thank the Nova Scotia Aphasia Association for bringing Carl Macintyre’s presentation and movie Aphasia to Halifax this month. The event was well-attended, informative and enjoyable. Carl Macintyre is a charming man, a stroke survivor whose persistence and love of life have helped him overcome the communication (speech) barrier, aphasia.
His message was an eye-opener for all in attendance, not only those living with aphasia. First, life can change in an instant so be thankful for the important things: laughter, family and good friends. Second, why are we all in such a rush? We work fast, eat fast, and SPEAK fast. We need to slow down, consider others and live each moment fully before it passes.
I highly recommend a booking of Carl’s presentation for all health care providers and affiliates of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Cindy Beaton, Halifax
Eye-opening message
Sunday, June 19, 2011
"What happens, happens to two".....or more
When I was finding to learn everything about aphasia...I'm one of those people who need to understand everything...why, why, why, why? I'm found 'Aphasia, the movie' and couldn't believe there's was a movie about aphasia! Where was it? When was it made? How could I miss in the 'googling' sessions that I had! I had to see it...so I researched everything about Carl and the movie!
When I realized that the Aphasia, the movie wasn't in the theatres...anywhere. I started to plan having Aphasia, the movie to have come to Halifax showing to people who have aphasia and their circle of partners, family, neighbours, community, caregivers, health professionals who support and work with them, schools of healthcare students who will support and work with them, and decision-makers who decide the services that will help people who have aphasia to be the best that they can be!
Naive, I know...thinking that every Nova Scotians would want to see the movie, as much as I wanted to see it. WOW, I'm so happy that Aphasia wasn't in the theatres, because the movie comes with Carl!
But, they should see this movie! There are powerful messages concerning life-changing events and how it affects the ONE AND the circle of the one. The one is Carl, an actor, teacher and salesman, but also husband, father, friend. Elizabeth, the wife, is affect aphasia too...she is in the circle with Carl. Her best friend. His best friend. Now, that's all different...now, she is the parent. Carl, now, the child. Their journey through being a team... again.
I would love to meet Elizabeth. Aphasia, the movie is both of their stories...Elizabeth isn't the supporting actress in the story. She is co-starring in this story. "What happens to one, what to two" or more! Your children, grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues, neighbours...your circle of life.
This true story shows building a new life from the ashes. Carl and Elizabeth, the Phoenixes!
Carl McIntyre is a Champion of aphasia! Actually, Carl is a Champion of any life-changing event. He is inspiring for any person who has to face challenges that a life-changing event provides. Carl is charismatic, honest, anger about HIS frailty and his experiences with living with aphasia.
Carl and his friends portrayed this wonderfully in Aphasia, the movie...if something came from his Carl et al stroke...it is this movie. I can't say enough about this movie. Really you must experience Aphasia, the movie and Carl's presentation...this is an event! If you had a life-changing event or if you know someone who had a life-changing event or if you work in the professions of ....during, after life-changing events you need to see with movie and Carl's presentation. This portrayal of Carl's life-changing event was moving, humourous, sensitive. It feels that you are there with Carl's journey to make a new life through the sadness, anger, frustration, humility and relationships...his aphasia. Walk with Carl.
Take away message from 'Aphasia, the movie': Hope and determination.
Recommendations:
1. Experience Carl and Aphasia, the movie!
2. International Aphasia Groups, Clinics and Conferences: Book 'Aphasia, the movie' and Carl McIntyre (http://www.carlmcintyre.com)
3. Schools of healthcare professionals, SLP Schools, Schools Social Work, Health Professionals and SLP Conferences: Book 'Aphasia, the movie' and Carl McIntyre (http://www.carlmcintyre.com)
4.'Aphasia, the movie' should be in everything healthcare library, school of health professions, rehabilitative centres, school of rehabilitative centres, public library...Have I missed something? It is an important statement..."What happens, happens to two" or more.
When I realized that the Aphasia, the movie wasn't in the theatres...anywhere. I started to plan having Aphasia, the movie to have come to Halifax showing to people who have aphasia and their circle of partners, family, neighbours, community, caregivers, health professionals who support and work with them, schools of healthcare students who will support and work with them, and decision-makers who decide the services that will help people who have aphasia to be the best that they can be!
Naive, I know...thinking that every Nova Scotians would want to see the movie, as much as I wanted to see it. WOW, I'm so happy that Aphasia wasn't in the theatres, because the movie comes with Carl!
But, they should see this movie! There are powerful messages concerning life-changing events and how it affects the ONE AND the circle of the one. The one is Carl, an actor, teacher and salesman, but also husband, father, friend. Elizabeth, the wife, is affect aphasia too...she is in the circle with Carl. Her best friend. His best friend. Now, that's all different...now, she is the parent. Carl, now, the child. Their journey through being a team... again.
I would love to meet Elizabeth. Aphasia, the movie is both of their stories...Elizabeth isn't the supporting actress in the story. She is co-starring in this story. "What happens to one, what to two" or more! Your children, grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues, neighbours...your circle of life.
This true story shows building a new life from the ashes. Carl and Elizabeth, the Phoenixes!
Carl McIntyre is a Champion of aphasia! Actually, Carl is a Champion of any life-changing event. He is inspiring for any person who has to face challenges that a life-changing event provides. Carl is charismatic, honest, anger about HIS frailty and his experiences with living with aphasia.
Carl and his friends portrayed this wonderfully in Aphasia, the movie...if something came from his Carl et al stroke...it is this movie. I can't say enough about this movie. Really you must experience Aphasia, the movie and Carl's presentation...this is an event! If you had a life-changing event or if you know someone who had a life-changing event or if you work in the professions of ....during, after life-changing events you need to see with movie and Carl's presentation. This portrayal of Carl's life-changing event was moving, humourous, sensitive. It feels that you are there with Carl's journey to make a new life through the sadness, anger, frustration, humility and relationships...his aphasia. Walk with Carl.
Take away message from 'Aphasia, the movie': Hope and determination.
Recommendations:
1. Experience Carl and Aphasia, the movie!
2. International Aphasia Groups, Clinics and Conferences: Book 'Aphasia, the movie' and Carl McIntyre (http://www.carlmcintyre.com)
3. Schools of healthcare professionals, SLP Schools, Schools Social Work, Health Professionals and SLP Conferences: Book 'Aphasia, the movie' and Carl McIntyre (http://www.carlmcintyre.com)
4.'Aphasia, the movie' should be in everything healthcare library, school of health professions, rehabilitative centres, school of rehabilitative centres, public library...Have I missed something? It is an important statement..."What happens, happens to two" or more.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Letter to the Editor Published!
Aphasia Awareness letter to the editor published on Sunday, June 5 2011 in the Chronicle Herald in Halifax, NS Canada. AND, information in the Halifax Magazine (page 12).
Go Nova Scotia Aphasia Association on your Aphasia Awareness!
Go Nova Scotia Aphasia Association on your Aphasia Awareness!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
IT'S JUNE!
June is Aphasia Awareness Month!!
14 sleeps before 'Aphasia, the movie' comes to Halifax. Get your tickets, now!
I started a letter to the editor in our local paper. 792 words. Hmmm, the instructions, which I read AFTER I wrote the letter of 792 words, says "Letters should be no more than 200 words...". :(
Those 592 words were good stuff! What to do! Goddess Aphasiadite presents the epic 'Letter to the Editor'!
I have aphasia and apraxia. I’m one of the approximately 450 Nova Scotians who acquired aphasia in 2008. I’m not alone. EACH year, approximately 450 Nova Scotians will acquired aphasia and belong to our aphasic community!
So, what IS aphasia? Aphasia is an acquired language disorder caused by brain injury. About 30% stroke survivors have aphasia. I had a stroke three years ago in October, just before my 50th birthday. For my early birthday present, the Universe slapped me with a ‘clot’ up the side of my head! THAT clot lodged in my middle cerebral artery in my left cerebral hemisphere (brain) blocking the pathway to my language centre. Neurons in my language centre gasped for oxygen: some died and some were injured.
BUT, I was lucky! My friend, Anne, who was there when I had my stroke was quick to call ‘911’. And, the paramedics were fast to arrive at the cottage in East Jeddore and deliver me to Dartmouth General where I received a ‘clot buster’ drug (‘Draino’, as Anne referred to it). I probably would have MORE problems and challenges IF I had not been taken to the hospital within the 4 hour time frame to get the drug to dissolve the clot in my artery.
What does my language disorder look like? I’ll discuss aphasia and leave out apraxia for now…after all June is Aphasia Awareness Month! Language is a communication tool comprised by speech, reading and writing. What would you do if you didn’t have those tools and skills? I started there just after my stroke. AND, what if you couldn’t understand others who do use those communication tools. I started there just after my stroke.
When Anne realized something was wrong with me, she asked me what was wrong, but I didn’t understand what she was saying. I knew she was upset by her tone and body language, when I tried to tell her that everything was okay, I couldn’t speak. I tried…no sound. I tried again, then pushed air through my vocal chords and successfully said ‘uh’. So, I decided to stand up, showing that I was okay! OOPS! From there, I dropped to the floor…seems my right side was paralyzed!
NOW, my right side works, not perfectly but you wouldn’t know that by sight. And, I have aphasia. I work hard every day to better my speech, my reading and my writing. Now, Anne says, sarcastically, “Remember, when she couldn’t speak!” :)
Some aphasics are challenged only by speech, some others are challenged with speech, reading and writing. And others are challenged with understanding what YOU said, the language that you use, and how fast you speak. My ears hear, but my auditory cortex of my brain can’t make sense of the noises that you speak! So, don’t speak louder, it won’t matter. Slow down! Language is a very slow dance. Dance with me.
I’m a volunteer with the NEW Nova Scotia Aphasia Association (NSAA). On June 15, 2011, the NSAA will present ‘Aphasia, the movie’ at Empire Theatres Park Lane, 5657 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax at 7:00pm. To get information about the Aphasia Association and the movie, email nsaa@bellaliant.net or call (902) 445-4960 or visit our Facebook page (Nova Scotia Aphasia Association).
For information on Carl and the trailer for ‘Aphasia, the movie’, see:
Aphasia, the movie
14 sleeps before 'Aphasia, the movie' comes to Halifax. Get your tickets, now!
I started a letter to the editor in our local paper. 792 words. Hmmm, the instructions, which I read AFTER I wrote the letter of 792 words, says "Letters should be no more than 200 words...". :(
Those 592 words were good stuff! What to do! Goddess Aphasiadite presents the epic 'Letter to the Editor'!
I have aphasia and apraxia. I’m one of the approximately 450 Nova Scotians who acquired aphasia in 2008. I’m not alone. EACH year, approximately 450 Nova Scotians will acquired aphasia and belong to our aphasic community!
So, what IS aphasia? Aphasia is an acquired language disorder caused by brain injury. About 30% stroke survivors have aphasia. I had a stroke three years ago in October, just before my 50th birthday. For my early birthday present, the Universe slapped me with a ‘clot’ up the side of my head! THAT clot lodged in my middle cerebral artery in my left cerebral hemisphere (brain) blocking the pathway to my language centre. Neurons in my language centre gasped for oxygen: some died and some were injured.
BUT, I was lucky! My friend, Anne, who was there when I had my stroke was quick to call ‘911’. And, the paramedics were fast to arrive at the cottage in East Jeddore and deliver me to Dartmouth General where I received a ‘clot buster’ drug (‘Draino’, as Anne referred to it). I probably would have MORE problems and challenges IF I had not been taken to the hospital within the 4 hour time frame to get the drug to dissolve the clot in my artery.
What does my language disorder look like? I’ll discuss aphasia and leave out apraxia for now…after all June is Aphasia Awareness Month! Language is a communication tool comprised by speech, reading and writing. What would you do if you didn’t have those tools and skills? I started there just after my stroke. AND, what if you couldn’t understand others who do use those communication tools. I started there just after my stroke.
When Anne realized something was wrong with me, she asked me what was wrong, but I didn’t understand what she was saying. I knew she was upset by her tone and body language, when I tried to tell her that everything was okay, I couldn’t speak. I tried…no sound. I tried again, then pushed air through my vocal chords and successfully said ‘uh’. So, I decided to stand up, showing that I was okay! OOPS! From there, I dropped to the floor…seems my right side was paralyzed!
NOW, my right side works, not perfectly but you wouldn’t know that by sight. And, I have aphasia. I work hard every day to better my speech, my reading and my writing. Now, Anne says, sarcastically, “Remember, when she couldn’t speak!” :)
Some aphasics are challenged only by speech, some others are challenged with speech, reading and writing. And others are challenged with understanding what YOU said, the language that you use, and how fast you speak. My ears hear, but my auditory cortex of my brain can’t make sense of the noises that you speak! So, don’t speak louder, it won’t matter. Slow down! Language is a very slow dance. Dance with me.
I’m a volunteer with the NEW Nova Scotia Aphasia Association (NSAA). On June 15, 2011, the NSAA will present ‘Aphasia, the movie’ at Empire Theatres Park Lane, 5657 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax at 7:00pm. To get information about the Aphasia Association and the movie, email nsaa@bellaliant.net or call (902) 445-4960 or visit our Facebook page (Nova Scotia Aphasia Association).
For information on Carl and the trailer for ‘Aphasia, the movie’, see:
Aphasia, the movie
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