St. Petersburg, FL (June 14, 2019) Voices of Hope for Aphasia, a 501(c)3 non-profit, have named its founder to the role of Ex-Officio Board Member of the organization devoted to helping those, who through stroke or traumatic brain injury, have lost the ability to communicate as they once did.
In 2009, at the age of 51, Mike Caputo suffered a massive stroke. Due to the stroke, he lost his ability to speak and lost all use of the right side of his body. The days that followed were very long and challenging for Mike and his family. They found themselves with an uncertain future and many unanswered questions. In the aftermath of Mike’s stroke, he and his wife Kathy realized that his needs and the needs of others struggling with aphasia were going unmet. In 2011 the Caputo’s, along with help from current Executive Director Debbie Yones founded Voices of Hope for Aphasia, which provides a nurturing and supportive environment for those struggling with aphasia, as well as the family members and caregivers. In 2013, the Caputo’s enlisted Dr. Jackie Hinkley and together they grew the organization into what it is today.
“They boot strapped the operation initially with a vision of giving hope and renewed self-esteem to its members”, said Chairman of the Board of Directors Ken Bado. “From the very beginning Mike has had a pivotal role in executing our vision as both an active participant and counselor to the board. Making him an ex-officio board member further emphasizes his active leadership with the board and with the organization as a whole”.
Voices of Hope for Aphasia Executive Director Debbie Yones says “Mike’s dedication to helping people with aphasia is inspiring. His appointment to the board solidifies the organization’s mission to promote life participation and to serve people with aphasia and their families in our community.”
About the organization: Voices of Hope for Aphasia is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting participation, supporting communication, and developing community among individuals whose ability to speak, understand, write, or read was affected due to stroke or other brain injury. The organization was formed in 2011 by founders Mike and Kathy Caputo after Mike’s stroke at the age of 51. Aphasia impacts over 2.4 million people in the US. It is more common Parkinson’s, ALS, or Muscular Dystrophy. One in three people who suffer a stroke will have some form of aphasia and may suffer isolation, frustration, and depression due to the disorder. For more information on our programs – please visit http://www.vohaphasia.org
