Better Life Blog
Written by Rylie McQueen, Stroke Survivor and Volunteer at Austin Speech Labs
June is an important month for Austin Speech Labs, as it marks Aphasia Awareness Month—a time when the stroke community comes together to educate others about the various ways strokes can affect individuals' lives. Personally, June holds special significance for me as well, as it commemorates the third anniversary of my ischemic stroke. Like many survivors approaching their stroke anniversary, I've experienced a mix of emotions: gratitude for my survival, mourning for the life I had before my stroke, and pride in overcoming challenges during my recovery.
I experienced my stroke when I was just 19 years old. The feeling of being trapped inside a body that no longer responded as it should was terrifying, and explaining this to my family and peers was challenging. The difficulty in sharing my experience left me feeling isolated. For a time, I feared this isolation would last forever.
Rylie, stroke survivor and volunteer at Austin Speech Labs, graduates from The University of Texas at Austin
While I never wanted my stroke to happen, I've grown to appreciate it for the new perspectives and purpose it has given me. As I recovered, I felt a strong desire to use my story to support others in the stroke community facing similar challenges. Since January 2024, I've volunteered at Austin Speech Labs, where the clients I work with continually inspire me. Through my own recovery and watching the clients at ASL, I've learned a valuable lesson: a stroke may take away physical abilities like movement and speech, but it cannot extinguish the determination to keep fighting. Every week, I witness clients eagerly striving to improve. I see them tackle frustrations head-on and support each other, forming a close-knit community. Volunteering at Austin Speech Labs has helped me feel less isolated in my journey and has left me deeply inspired by the resilience I see. I am thankful to have found such a meaningful organization dedicated to improving the lives of stroke survivors.
If I could offer advice to any stroke survivor, it would be this: Embrace each moment of your recovery. Celebrate the small victories, allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions—both joy for what you've achieved and sadness for what may have changed. Lean on your loved ones for support, and always recognize your inner strength. You are a survivor, and that title carries immense significance. Never forget that.