“Dear Dr. Tom, Thank you for speaking to the Aphasia Boot Camp for the 4th summer in a row! You are a favorite to those who already know you...and a new source of inspiration to those hearing you for the first time. They might have told you I was sick & not able to be there in person. So sorry to interrupt your talk with my “chicken noodle” ha! Thought I was on mute. Anyway, I zoomed into individual sessions today & they are all making reference to you & your encouragement. You make such a difference! You’d be so proud of Cydney – she’s led an aphasia advocacy group at Boot Camp this year w/confidence & passion for Aphasia Nation. Patricia’s bus broke down, but she made it to part of your talk. Tom, you really connect with & inspire these people. Thank you for your important work! Sincerely, Tawni Ballinger”
“Hello Tom, Thank you so much for the fantastic interview and information today! So proud to have this association with you and Aphasia Nation. You are doing great work and I think we could urge our SLPs to look further into their hospital settings to make sure their info about aphasia listed in the online reference info to give to patients. I think we would be surprised with how many are missing this diagnosis in the info packets. Love the analogy of the trees! I have given away several copies of your book already and am offering it now to the next two donations to come in for MnCAN programs! I have also shared your cards with several people as a thank you for support. I think we’ll use them as displays and giveaways at our upcoming fundraiser too. Thank you so much for sharing these items with us as well. We look forward to a continuing relationship with you and your mission! Julia”
“Thank you! Yes, please put me on your list for the real McCoy and never doubt the merit of your effort. You’re walking the walk. No one is more qualified to talk the talk – and you do so in a way that others, especially those recovering, can understand. I’ve been reading your posts for some time now and regret I did not speak up sooner. Have you ever done an educational class for young clinicians? They would so benefit from your wisdom and experience on “how to…” I’ll be quoting you! Warmest regards, Susan.”
