Hi Reader,
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I met Stephen Chase roughly one year ago. I walked into his home wearing my scrubs and carrying my home health bag, eager to see how I might be of help.

Steve was sitting in the living room, eyes full of life, and a half-smile turning up the corner of his mouth. He struggled to greet me in an audible voice. By his side was his petite wife, Wendy, who I quickly learned had the courage and strength of a lion. Wendy and Steve were well-matched in every way that I could see.

When I met Steve, he was many years into his battle with brain cancer. Cancer had stolen so much from him - his speech, his swallowing, his ability to walk or ride his motorcycle - but it hadn't diminished his love for his wife, his family, or his friends.

I worked with Steve for a few months. We maximized his comfort with eating and drinking. I taught him to use a communication device to communicate. The most surprising thing he used it for? To tell Wendy who to ask to install the window air conditioner.

Steve and Wendy were highly involved with a cancer research fundraiser for Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut for many years. The event features bike routes of varying lengths with entertainment for thousands of people, celebrating life in the face of cancer.

Last year, however, Steve required a hospital bed and special transportation to be present at the Closer to Free Ride.

It was his last one.

He passed away not long after.

I talked to him a couple of days after that event. He wasn't able to say much, but I could see how powerful an experience it was for him. I promised him that I would participate this year.

I went to a memorial barbecue at his house just a few weeks ago. It was packed with people who loved Steve. He is missed by everyone who knew him.

My boyfriend and I are volunteering with Team Steve on September 6. I will be thinking of Steve and Wendy and everyone else I've known who've been touched by cancer.

I hope that you will consider donating to the fundraiser, even if it's just $5 or $10. Every little bit helps!

(Steve's story shared with his wife's consent.)

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​🎬 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find an interesting discussion of "fake" accents.
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​💪 Under "Interesting, Useful, or Fun," you'll find:

• A new, free cognitive-communication screener.​
• Treatments for Primary Progressive Aphasia.​
• "Good" SLPs don't have to sacrifice work-life balance.​

Feel free to reply to this email with any suggestions or comments!

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​Terms and conditions apply. This giveaway is exclusive to Eat, Speak, & Think's readers! Anyone who buys a new subscription using my code this week will be entered to win a free 1-year extension. I generally have a handful of people signing up each month, so there's not likely to be a lot of competition!

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You may be interested in these courses:

• ​What Should SLPs Know About Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment? - Sarah Baar & Patricia Geels​
• ​Assessment of Swallowing in the ICU: Where Do You Start? - Marta Kazandjian & Martin B. Brodsky​
• ​Clinical Assessment of Vocal Fold Paralysis and Paresis - Maurice E. Goodwin & Christie DeLuca​

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EST post from the archives

​How to shape words from numbers to improve speech. If your patient can count (even to say a single number), you can build on that ability with these strategies and word lists.

PDF Download from the archives

You can access all free Eat, Speak, & Think PDF downloads in the password-protected Free Subscription Library.
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​☕Treat EST to a coffee and you'll get the Mini Resource Binder (84 pages). Become a member at the "Supporter" level and you'll receive the full Resource Binder (326 pages), plus updated editions. Thank you if you choose to support me in this way!

• Here are word lists for each number from one to 10. I highlight the words that a patient is able to say independently or with min cues for their home exercise program and work on the full list during the sessions.

🎬 Diverse Voices

I'm intentionally seeking out new voices that differ from me in some way. Reply to this email with your suggestions for future newsletters! ​
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Sunn m'Cheaux is a native Gullah/Geechee speaker, from Charleston, South Carolina. He is an artist and educator. Watch Sunn take on social media accusing NFL player Xavier Legette of having a "fake accent."

💪 Interesting, Useful, or Fun

Want more of this? Check out the Eat, Speak, & Think Blog Facebook page.​
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(1) There's a new, free cognitive-communication screener, the BELS (Brief Executive Language Screen). It was tested on people who had experienced acute stroke (left or right hemisphere), with and without aphasia. The full test and manual are available in the Supplemental materials.
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(2) Check out this systematic review of different treatment interventions for Primary Progressive Aphasia (open access, 2025).
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(3) Theresa Harp tells it straight - the typical SLP culture is to sacrifice work-life balance to be a "good" therapist. Check out this podcast episode to learn how to start changing your mindset.

Thanks for reading!
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Consider supporting EST by telling a friend or directly with a small tip through Buy Me a Coffee.

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Stay safe and be well,

Lisa
(she/her)