The first Right Brain Stroke Survivor Meetup for Right Hemisphere Damage (RHD) Stroke Survivors and their Caregivers took place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Durham, NC at Hock Plaza. This event provided a welcoming space for survivors and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and build a sense of community. It offered an opportunity for vulnerability, where participants could openly discuss their journeys while accessing valuable resources tailored to their needs.
Dr. Jamila Minga, the principal investigator of the Minga Right Hemisphere Communication Lab, emphasized the importance of such gatherings, stating, "This is what our work is about—engaging stroke survivors and their loved ones as integral partners in scientific advancement. Their input is invaluable to our progress."
A unique aspect of the event was the partnership with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Communication Sciences and Disorders Master’s students, who are trainingbecome speech-language pathologists. Their attendance not only enriched the event but also increased their exposure to working with right hemisphere stroke survivors, fostering a deeper understanding of this underserved population. This collaboration highlighted the power of community engagement in driving awareness and support.
Overall, the event provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect with others who share similar experiences in a supportive and welcoming environment. “Bringing survivors and caregivers together as we build our RHD stroke community is especially significant, given the limited resources dedicated solely to RHD stroke survivors,” said La'Toria Jallah, Speech-Language Pathologist and the Minga Right Brain Stroke Communication Lab Coordinator.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this event: the Minga RHC Lab team, RHD stroke survivors and their loved ones, NCCU student clinicians, provider Kristi Kehoe, Sylvia Garret,Terri Moore, and the Hock Plaza staff.