Wednesday, April 10, 2013


Geoff, On Camera!

Geoff wanted to update his blog himself this time.  This is a short video we took, unrehearsed.

As you may know, Geoff’s language is what was affected the most, and is what he is working hardest on.  Immediately after his stroke, his brain remembered only one word:  you.  Doctors believe that most of his word storage area was wiped away, along with all understanding of how you use words together in order to express an idea (such as in sentences).  Writing, complex reading...also lost.

Since then, he has had approximately 750 hours of structured speech therapy (that includes Music Intonation Therapy, too), plus at least as many hours working on language at home (that includes Rosetta Stone).

He continues to meet with an outstanding speech therapist in our local hospital four days/week -- someone who knew Geoff pre-stroke.  He also meets with someone else in town twice/week who works with him on Music Intonation Therapy.   (Another person who knew Geoff pre-stroke;  one of the advantages of living in a small town!)

At home, we often sing our words so that he continues to build up fluency through music and rhythm.  He does language exercises on his iPad, and we work on Rosetta Stone 5 days/week.  He practices reading columns of difficult words out loud:  words with blended consonants, or that involve complex motor movements.  (Motor planning exercises.)  He reads news sites on his iPad every day (NY Times, BBC News), and interesting books (often children’s abridged versions, which are a little easier to follow).

He has come a long way!!

Janet

7 comments:

  1. Janet, I couldn't view the video, as it's "private". check your YouTube settings and click the one that says "only people with a link" (or something like that). I have made that mistake myself!

    Glad to hear Geoff has come a long way! Would love to see the video.

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  2. BRAVO GEOFF!!!! and you too, Janet!

    From what you have told me, this is excellent, amazing progress!

    Keep up the good work!

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  3. Geoff, you are doing great! Enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing!

    Amy Nordaune

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  4. Geoff, you are SO Amazing.... you always have been a hard worker...so I am not surprised that you are conquering this also.

    Miss you...

    Ronae Rose

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  5. Amazing! Coming from a family of musicians I noticed your use of rhythm and hand gestures to get unstuck. I've followed your blog for over a year so I'm thrilled to hear the results of all your hard work.

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  6. Jason & Melissa HubredMay 6, 2013 at 4:18 PM

    Fantastic! Praise Jesus! Thanks so much for letting us see and hear how far Geoff has come (and that nothing has dampened that smile of his). You guys are all amazing! Lots of love and continued prayers from Alexandria!

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  7. Jason & Melissa HubredJune 12, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    Hathaways, have you been following Steve Saint's story? Although he is facing physical challenges because of an accident, I see parallels between him and Geoff. I hope this will be an encouragement to you all:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIlL6xfHHOU

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