Encouraging recognition, and supporting the goals and ideals, of National Aphasia Awareness Month.

Whereas aphasia is a communication impairment caused by brain damage, typically resulting from a stroke;

Whereas while aphasia is most often the result of stroke or brain injury, it can also occur in other neurological disorders, such as in the case of a brain tumor;

Whereas many people with aphasia also have weakness or paralysis in their right leg and right arm, usually due to damage to the left hemisphere of the brain, which controls language and movement on the right side of the body;

Whereas the effects of aphasia may include a loss or reduction in ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write, while intelligence remains intact;

Whereas stroke is the third largest cause of death, ranking behind heart disease and cancer;

Whereas stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States;

Whereas there are about 5 million stroke survivors alive in the United States;

Whereas it is estimated that there are about 750,000 strokes per year in the United States, with approximately one third of these resulting in aphasia;

Whereas aphasia affects at least 1,000,000 people in the United States;

Whereas more than 200,000 Americans acquire the disorder each year;

Whereas the National Aphasia Association is unique and provides communication strategies, support, and education for people with aphasia and their caregivers throughout the United States;

Whereas as an advocacy organization for people with aphasia and their caregivers, the National Aphasia Association envisions a world that recognizes this silent disability and provides opportunity and fulfillment for those affected by aphasia; and

Whereas National Aphasia Awareness Month is being commemorated in June 2007: Now, therefore, be it