On Tuesday, June 18, Legislator Tom McKevitt partnered with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to declare the month of June Aphasia Awareness Month, and honor Matthew Weingartner. Weingartner, only 36-years-old, was diagnosed with nonfluent Aphasia after his stroke in 2018 and has since become an advocate for aphasia awareness.
Aphasia is the loss of the ability to understand or express speech, and in some cases, can affect a person's ability to read or write. Aphasia is caused by brain damage, most commonly a stroke. The most prominent person diagnosed with aphasia is Bruce Willis, but two million people nation-wide live with aphasia.
“Communication is a fundamental human need, so the loss of it can be debilitating and frustrating,” Legislator Tom McKevitt said. “Aphasia is not as well-known as many other diseases of the brain, but it is just as common, and I hope that declaring June Aphasia Awareness Month and lighting the dome grey will bring more awareness.”
Matthew Weingartner spoke on the personal struggles that he has experienced with Aphasia and the significance of raising awareness and funding treatment options for this disorder. As Matthew so profoundly said during his remarks, Aphasia is a loss of language, not a loss of intellect. Matthew shared the struggles, frustrations, and triumphs that he has gone through on his post-stroke journey.
“While 2 million Americans struggle with aphasia, a language impairment that steals their voices but not their minds, many suffer in silence, unaware of the support and resources available; Matthew Weingartner's inspiring recovery journey shines a light on this hidden epidemic, challenging us to raise awareness and empower those living with aphasia,” State Senator Steve Rhoads said. “It's an honor to have Matthew as a constituent, as he serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to maintain a positive and resilient mindset during their recovery journey. Last year I was happy to work with Matthew on passing a resolution declaring June as Aphasia Awareness Month, coordinating an Aphasia Awareness Day at LIU Post, and working with the County Executive to light the County dome for aphasia awareness. Matthew's continued advocacy highlights the critical need to enhance the visibility of aphasia at local, state, and national levels. That's why I am proud to once again pass a resolution declaring June as Aphasia Awareness Month across New York State, acknowledging the significance of raising awareness and empowering individuals with Aphasia. Through ongoing collaboration with Matthew Weingartner and other dedicated advocates, we aim to break down barriers, provide resources, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those impacted by aphasia.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman presented Matthew Weingartner with a citation to honor his work in sharing his story and raising awareness for those who are struggling with Aphasia. In honor of Aphasia Awareness Month, the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building will be lighting the dome of the building grey to symbolize the aphasia awareness ribbon.