Lee Newsome and Daniel Vick have a lot in common. They both like golf and they have both had strokes. Both men also have aphasia, a speech impairment caused by damage to the brain.
"By the time you can say what's on your mind, the conversation's already gone on to something else," Newsome said.
A few months ago, Newsome would never have ventured out to the driving range. Like many people with aphasia, he felt socially isolated.
That was until the
Triangle Aphasia Project
paired him with a communicative partner to help him get back into the swing of life.
"Right now, we're pairing individuals with mild aphasia with people with severe aphasia because they're very motivating," said Maura Silverman of the Triangle Aphasia Project.
Newsome's 'buddy' helped him get over his fears of being in public and speaking. He started lifting weights and is back on the green. Now he is helping Vick do the same.
The two meet at Knight's Play in Apex to practice on their swing and speech. Vick is already improving.
"It's just a start, but it's coming," Vick said.
The Triangle Aphasia Project also helps people who want to get back to work communicate in the office.
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