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St. Luke’s leads walk for aphasia awareness

Published August 18. 2026 11:42AM
by Lori Patrick Special to the Bethlehem Press

Get the word out! APHASIA! This is the rallying cry to bring awareness to the condition that affects the communication center of the brain. Aphasia is most often a result of a stroke or brain injury. The individual has high competency, they know what they want to say and can make decisions on their own. Aphasia can affect both the verbal or written word, sometimes both are affected. More than two million people are living in the USA with aphasia.

Moravian University’s School of Rehabilitation Sciences Walk for Aphasia, hosted by Speech - Language Pathology Program (MS-SLP) students in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Mid-Atlantic Aphasia Conference (MAAC) led the way throughout downtown Bethlehem stopping at businesses to present thank you and recognition letters for participation.

Twenty Main Street businesses supported the walk by donating raffle items. Because of the incredible support from the community and the efforts of the Moravian MS-SLP program and students, $2,450 was raised. MAAC turns proceeds into a highly valued program including Stroke Support Groups, Aphasia Support Groups, Caregiver Support Groups, Stroke and Aphasia Research and much more. MAAC holds virtual and in-person conferences in an effort to connect people living with aphasia and help facilitate lasting bonds together showing they are not alone. The group is both by and for people with aphasia.

Interim Program Director of MS-SLP Dr. Monica Kaniamattam said, “For me, the most meaningful part was that the money did not come from one or two people making large donations. Instead, everyone came together to support the cause. Moravian students, faculty, MAAC members, and community members purchased raffle tickets for baskets donated by local businesses, bought baked goods prepared by our amazing MS-SLP students, and purchased event T-shirts. This is how the money was raised, and I think it truly represents the entire community coming together to support this important cause.”

To support the cause or help others discover the offerings of MAAC, find the organization online at midatlanticaphasiaconference.org and in Pennsylvania you can find more information at Aphasia Resource Collaboration Hub at aphasiaresource.org.

Velvet Raven donated a raffle basket for the walk. MAAC President Mark Harder on left is giving owner Royce Atkins a thank-you note from MAAC and one from the Moravian MS SLP program. Jim Burd on right along with Harder both live with aphasia and are Moravian University alumni.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LORI PATRICKWalk for Aphasia attendees make their last stop at Hotel Bethlehem who was a financial supporter of the event. Holding the banner and leading the walk is Juliana Miller from the Poconos region and on left Dari Goldstein of Bucks County. More photos on A10.
Moravian Aphasia Walk attendees cross the street on the way back to Clewell Hall after making a loop and stopping at 20 businesses to give notes of thanks for participating with donations on Main Street Bethlehem.
Once the walk ended, the attendees gathered for a photo, many of them are speech pathology students at Moravian University along with other supporters for aphasia awareness.
Matthew Wallace checks out one of the baskets that were donated to fundraise for Mid-Atlantic Communication Aphasia Conference. The organized effort also sold T-shirts to raise money to “Get the word out.”
Lots of cookies to purchase and snack on to support aphasia awareness were available to purchase. MS-SLP student Kaelan Ellis helps tend the booth with a smile.