Stroke Survivor Story: Juliet’s Positive Perspective

May is National Stroke Awareness Month! Juliet is someone who has often found herself to be in the right place at the right time. She was born in Jamaica and learned a great deal about cooking and family values from her grandmother. When her family moved to the United States and settled in Maryland, she was able to receive an education and go on to work with Rising Sun Travel Agency, helping others reach and explore their international destinations. Juliet had her daughter and was living well, staying active and enjoying small pastimes like sewing.

A few years back, Juliet was sitting in the waiting room at her doctor’s office for a routine appointment to treat her chronic migraines when she suffered a stroke. Luckily, she was close to the care team that was able to recognize her stroke symptoms and act quickly to save her life. Juliet’s road to rehabilitation was filled with plenty of physical therapy and support from her daughter, sister, and twin brother.

It was at her daughter’s suggestion that Juliet check out The League’s fully accessible Wellness Center to help her regain some of her strength and dexterity. Once she was in the building, she started talking to some of the staff members and participants only to discover that The League was the perfect place for her to be all along.

To aid her in her speech therapy, Juliet participated in The League’s SCALE Aphasia Program and enjoyed the intimate sessions at the Orchard Treen Lane facility. Once she felt more confident in her communication skills, Juliet transferred to The League’s Adult Medical Day Program so that she could participate in a wider variety of electives. She attends the program every Monday through Thursday and could not be more proud of her level of engagement and sense of autonomy.

“Encourage yourself to take that step, because you may find yourself at a place like The League.”

At The League, Juliet enjoys learning new skills in the fiber arts classes with Mrs. Liz and sharing delicious lunches with her friends. Spending time in the fresh air of the patio courtyard and garden space bring her peace, helping her prioritize her physical and mental needs. For Juliet, being surrounded by friendly people who genuinely care and take an interest in her has been crucial to her recovery. Having a stroke was life-changing, but she knows that she is in the right place at the right time with the right people.

Newsworthy Stories

For Stroke Awareness Month, The SCALE Aphasia Program was featured on a segment in a WMAR Midday Maryland segment.