In 2019, Diana, a retired school teacher, suffered a stroke that left her with aphasia — a brain injury condition that made it difficult to express her thoughts through speech. After nine months of therapy with little progress, Diana and her family discovered the Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech Clinic at Wichita State University.

Over the next four years, Diana worked with Clinic Director Professor Ashley Purdum, Assistant Professor Carly Thomas, and their graduate speech therapy students. Twice-weekly sessions — built on research-based therapy, encouragement, and genuine care — helped Diana make steady, meaningful progress.

When Diana reached her Medicare limit for speech therapy, the Clinic worked with her family on a reduced-rate plan so she could continue. Diana passed away in the fall of 2023, but her family wanted to ensure others could receive the same care.

There are currently no scholarships or grants to help adult clients continue aphasia therapy once their insurance limits are met. In Diana's memory, her family created a fund to help cover therapy costs for adults in need — and now, Galen and Diana will match every gift dollar-for-dollar, up to $3,000.