Former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) delivered a moving, courageous and beautiful Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night. Her recital highlighted the importance and success of great Speech Pathology.
Through her hard work and determination, she was able to stand tall and lead a stadium full of people in a moving tribute to our country.
Speech Therapy and Hard Work Led to a Big Success
After the tragic Tucson shootings that nearly took her life in January 2011, Giffords’ speech was severely impaired to the point that she was told by doctors she may never be able to speak again.
After months of hard work with her speech pathologist, Nancy Helm-Estabrooks, Giffords has made amazing strides in being able to speak again. As part of her treatment plan, ASHA certified speech pathologists used pictures, books, music, interactions with loved ones in-person and on the phone, professional role-based materials, as well as community-based outings like going to restaurants so she could order lunch.
As Giffords’ husband Captain Mark Kelly put it, speech-language pathologists “have played a critical part in Gabby’s recovery and helped her regain her ability to communicate.”
A Heartfelt “Thank You” to Gabby Giffords
From the San Diego Speech Therapy team we think it is important to take pause and say, “Thank you Gabby Giffords for your courage and hard work. You are an inspiration for all of us working hard to recover communication abilities once again.” We are pleased she is nominated to receive the 2012 Annie Glenn award at the annual ASHA convention in Atlanta, GA.
Her amazing recovery emphasizes the role that post-hospital speech therapy plays in regaining the ability to communicate once again. Through hard work, moving beyond embarrassment, frustration and anger at the sense of loss; she turned a hopeless situation into a beautiful story of strength and hope.
Here at SDST, we believe in helping our patients find their success stories, just like Gabby Giffords. If you’re struggling to overcome speech issues, contact us today. We are here to help.
Read an interview with Nancy Helm-Estabrooks here:
http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2012/120605/Giffords-Comes-Home-to-Aphasia-Treatment/