Client of SHU’s Stroke Rehab Clinic Writes Her Story

Students from the College of Health Professions not only helped her recover, but helped with the book as well

The back cover of stroke survivor Marti Kosh’s new book, God is Good: My Stroke Story, is dedicated to Sacred Heart University’s College of Health Professions. It reads: “My stroke has been helped at Sacred Heart University. SHU has helped me with Occupational Therapy including Driving Simulator, Physical Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy for Aphasia.” The author goes on to say that the book is available at no cost, but she asks that donations be made to SHU’s neurogenic therapy programs.

Kosh suffered a stroke in November 2016. She lost her memory, was unable to move and was unable to speak. She was treated at Yale New Haven Hospital and then transferred to The Carolton Chronic and Convalescent Hospital in Fairfield, where she received rehabilitation services from December 2016 to September 2017. Once Kosh returned home, she wasn’t making the gains she hoped for. Her doctor suggested she try the speech therapy program at Sacred Heart University. Kosh’s granddaughter was a SHU student at the time and Kosh was pleased to learn there was a speech therapy program at the institution she had heard so much about.

“It is clear that Marti enjoys working with the students at SHU and cares a lot about making progress,” said Grace Carey ’23, a speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate student. “Although Marti is here to learn from students like myself, I have learned so much from her as well. She has told me stories about her life and her family, and I have learned through her how important it is to build a rapport with my clients. I really enjoy working with all my clients who come to the SHU clinic because seeing the progress they can make is gratifying, and my time with them is preparing me well for my career as an SLP.” 

Began with notes

Kosh was inspired to write her own story to help other stroke patients. She began by writing notes on paper while she was in the nursing facility and moved to working on a computer when she returned home. Marta Korytkowska, director of SHU’s neurogenic communication disorders clinic, and graduate student therapists helped Koch edit the book, put it in an order and publish it. Not only does the book contain the story of Kosh’s journey, but also many family photos and favorite recipes.

“Marti’s journey has been significant,” said Korytkowska. Kosh was unable to move or speak immediately after her stroke, and she had to learn how to walk and speak again. Writing a book is a monumental task for someone with aphasia (inability to speak or to understand spoken or written words), but Kosh was determined to overcome her challenges.

When the self-published book was complete, Kosh ordered 200 copies; she gives them to everyone who needs inspiration. “She just wants to help and help and help. She wants to help the students learn, and she wants to help people who have had strokes know that they can overcome and recover,” Korytkowska said.

“The book came to my heart,” said Kosh. “I wanted to write the book so that people can understand those who have had a stroke. I also wanted people who have had strokes to know that, with a lot of help and hard work, they can get back to who they were.

“I love working with the students. They’re so open, and they’re going forward. I want them to feel good about themselves. I like to help them. And I’m grateful. I feel as though I’ve been given help by God.”

“Marti was an absolute pleasure to work with. She cares so deeply about informing others of the challenging times she went through, while also providing a deep dive into her personal and family life,” said Michelle Munos ’20, MS ’22, an SLP graduate student who worked with Kosh on her book. “We took the time to expand on what she already had written and make sure it made sense to her and the reader. Marti was also very specific with what she wanted. She was open to suggestions, but also stood her ground on certain aspects. Marti went through quite a journey, and it was amazing to see how she grew within those difficult times. I will always cherish working with and getting to know Marti.” 

Anyone who has had a stroke and is looking for speech-language therapy for aphasia can reach out to Sue Kostopoulos, communication disorders program assistant, at kostopouloss@sacredheart.edu for an appointment.

Top: Marti Kosh and Professor Marta Korytkowska. Inset: Kosh works with Korytkowska and student Grace Carey at the CHE.