From globe-trotting accountant to stroke survivor, QEII outpatient Eugene Peters’ remarkable health journey tells a story of determination, hope, and the power of perseverance.
It was February 2023 when a stroke turned Eugene’s life upside-down, taking his speech, mobility, and independence with it.
The stroke had left Eugene with aphasia, a communication disorder caused by damage to the language networks in the brain that affects all aspects of communication.
“I wasn’t able to talk to anyone in the beginning. I couldn’t even say simple words like ‘cat’ or ‘dog’,” he said.
“Words didn't come easily to me anymore. I struggled to get my message across, especially in group settings,” Eugene explained.
Eugene’s case would become one of 45,785 strokes recorded in Australia that year.
As he faced down the long road to recovery, Eugene met a host of new hurdles.
“It’s very isolating when you can’t communicate or do the things you used to do,” he said.
“I used to cycle into the city with my friends and have a coffee together. I couldn’t do that anymore. I couldn’t have a conversation.”
Eugene threw himself into recovery, determined to rebuild the life he loved.
It was at that point that he met with QEII’s Allied Health Department, where he would steadily reclaim his voice and confidence.
“I have a really good team of people behind me who’ve helped me with my aphasia, from the NDIS support and my neuropsychologist to my OT and Speech Pathologist at QEII and in the community.”
“The support at QEII is incredible, from the Allied Health team to the volunteers.
“My speech and my writing have improved markedly since I started speech therapy at QEII, and I’m able to communicate with people in a normal setting now.”
With a positive outlook and a renewed zest for life, Eugene is paying the message of hope forward to other survivors.
“It’s been a really interesting and positive journey, and it continues to this day. It’s great to be able to talk to people about aphasia and what I've been through. I'm loving life,” he said.
“To anyone who’s going through it, there is a positive outcome. Just keep going and you’ll get there.”
This Speech Pathology Week (24-30 August), Eugene’s story shines a hope-filled light on stroke recovery and highlights the incredible impact that Speech Pathology rehabilitation can have on a life.
Special thanks to the QEII Allied Health Department and Speech Pathology team for their continued support.