Restoring Hope: The Inspiring Journey of Ryan’s Recovery

We often take our bodies for granted, never pausing to appreciate the intricate tasks they perform every

day. It’s only when something goes wrong—when a stroke steals the simple act of swallowing, or when

speech becomes an uphill battle—that we are forced to confront just how much we rely on our physical

abilities. When that happens, it takes extraordinary courage to not only reclaim control but also to seek

the specialized care needed for recovery. Ryan’s journey is a powerful testament to that courage.

On December 12, Ryan's life was turned upside down by a stroke that left him with severe impairments in

speech and swallowing. His family was overwhelmed, especially when they discovered that Ryan’s

insurance didn’t cover the critical speech therapy he needed. Yet, in a remarkable gesture of compassion,

Medical Mutual, his insurance provider, reached out to the Star Center Foundation to ensure he received

help. It was a rare moment of compassion that set the stage for Ryan’s road to recovery.

When Ryan arrived for his first therapy session, he was dependent on a suction device to manage saliva,

his speech was barely audible, and his ability to swallow was limited. Yet even in this difficult state, there

was a glimmer of hope: Ryan could still manage to swallow once in every ten attempts. That small success

became the foundation for his recovery. The Star Center Foundation developed a personalized therapy

plan for Ryan, using advanced treatments like the VitalStim therapy system to strengthen his swallowing

muscles, Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) to build tongue strength, and Breather exercises to

improve respiratory function.

Within six sessions, Ryan no longer relied on the suction device, and his swallowing became more

consistent. By the ninth session, he was eating solid food and drinking liquids without difficulty. His

progress with speech was equally inspiring. Through effective speech treatment such as the Lee

Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) and music therapy, Ryan’s voice, once barely a whisper, grew stronger.

Each week, his speech improved, bringing him closer to reclaiming his life.

Ryan’s story is a reminder that healing is not just a physical act—it is a mental and emotional battle as

well. By August 2024, Ryan had achieved something extraordinary—he would return to his role as an art

teacher, a dream that seemed nearly impossible just months earlier. Though some challenges remain, his

ability to teach again is a profound victory for him and a testament to the power of perseverance, expert

care, and family support. Ryan’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative impact of the Star

Center Foundation. His journey highlights what is possible when courage meets expert care. As we

celebrate Ryan’s remarkable progress, we are reminded of the vital role our donors play in making these

stories of recovery possible. With your continued support, we can help more individuals, like Ryan,

reclaim their lives and thrive again.

Ryan’s Journey Continued

The Journey of Ryan continues. When he first arrived, he had hardly any voice and his speech was severely impaired due to dysarthria. Through dedicated speech, voicing, and music therapy, Ryan has made incredible progress. Against all odds, he is now preparing to return to teaching art on August 20, 2024. As his therapist, I couldn’t be prouder of his remarkable progress and relentless hard work to regain his voice and speech. Although there are still minor challenges, Ryan is now able to teach again. Below are two videos showcasing Ryan’s journey: one from February 26, 2024, and another from July 26, 2024. We will also add a video of him teaching his class with his special amplifier in place soon.

Before Treatment: February 26, 2024

After Treatment: July 26, 2024

Ryan’s Continued Vocal Improvement

After all the challenges he has faced following his stroke on December 14, 2023, Ryan is back to doing what he loves—teaching art! With unwavering determination, he's returned to the classroom, where his passion shines through as he inspires his students every day. Using amplification to support his voice, he’s empowering others with his resilience and creativity, showing that his journey back is as colorful and hopeful as the art he shares.