Finding Her Voice Again: Denise Lowell’s Powerful Journey After Stroke
Denise Lowell's journey as a stroke survivor is a testament to resilience and determination. In 2015, her life took an unexpected turn when she suffered a stroke, leaving her with aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication.
Initially, Denise faced numerous challenges. The hospital misdiagnosed her condition, thinking she was under the influence of drugs. It was only through her husband's persistence and her own quick thinking that she received proper medical attention.
Denise's stroke was severe, causing both hemorrhagic and ischemic damage. Doctors were pessimistic about her survival, even preparing her family to say goodbye. However, a visit from her beloved granddaughters sparked a turning point in her recovery.
The road to recovery was far from easy. Denise struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. She faced the frustration of not being able to communicate effectively, with words coming out wrong or limited to simple terms like "butter".
Despite these challenges, Denise persevered. She sought intensive treatment programs, traveling to Florida for specialized therapy. However, her journey was complicated by the onset of seizures, a common but distressing side effect of stroke recovery.
Through it all, Denise maintained her sense of humor and determination. She learned to manage her seizures and continued to work on her recovery. Her husband's unwavering support played a crucial role in her progress.
Recognizing the lack of resources for aphasia survivors in Rhode Island, Denise took matters into her own hands. She founded Just Aphasia Stroke Knowledge (Just A.S.K.), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with aphasia.
Just A.S.K. offers a range of classes and resources for aphasia survivors. These include communication workshops, support groups, and educational programs designed to help individuals regain their language skills and confidence. The organization also works to raise awareness about aphasia and advocate for better support services.
Today, Denise serves as the President of Just A.S.K., using her personal experience to guide and inspire others. She has become a prominent voice in the aphasia community, presenting at conferences and serving on advisory boards for aphasia-related projects.
Denise Lowell has been honored as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Bertram Yaffe Award, presented by the Rhode Island Public Health Association. This award recognizes individuals with a significant commitment to advancing public health in Rhode Island through various avenues such as advocacy, academia, and public service.
Denise's story is one of transformation and hope. From a stroke survivor struggling to communicate, she has become a leader and advocate, helping others navigate their own recovery journeys. Her work with Just A.S.K. continues to make a significant impact, providing much-needed support and resources for aphasia survivors and their families.
Denise’s story, Just Aphasia Stroke Knowledge, Denise Lowell, Founder & President, on Stroke Buddies YouTube channel (please subscribe, we have over 400 stroke-related videos):
Denise's info
Facebook @RIJustASK
https://www.facebook.com/RIJustASK
Stroke Buddies - Sharing Knowledge about Strokes - Copyright © 2025