The TakeAway: Talking about aphasia, singing and connection with Roberta Fox
When Roberta had a stroke in her sleep, everything changed in an instant.
She lost her ability to speak, but remarkably, she discovered she could still sing.
Music became more than something she loved. It became the bridge back to herself, giving her hope, purpose and determination to keep recovering.
Today, Roberta is back teaching singing, supporting Stroke Foundation and reminding other families that recovery is possible, even when the path isn't straightforward.
Before your stroke, who was Roberta? (0:03)
Roberta says she is still the same person, but stroke changed how she approaches life. Before her stroke she describes herself as highly capable, ambitious and always on the go. While she continues to work towards regaining her independence, she knows recovery doesn't always mean returning to exactly who you were before.
"I'm still me... I'm getting back to where my capabilities come back, but probably not ever going to be the way I was."
When did you have your stroke? (0:16)
Roberta had her stroke on 22 August 2023 after it occurred while she was sleeping. When she woke up, something didn't feel right. Her eye was twitching, she couldn't finish her coffee, and the only words she could say were, "I'm okay." Recognising something was seriously wrong, her husband Greg immediately called an ambulance (Triple 000).
Roberta remembers very little after arriving at the hospital and later learned just how critically ill she had been.
"It was pretty touch and go. But I'm still here, so it's great."
Resources:
- EnableMe - What to expect in the first few days
- EnableMe - Who will be involved in my care
How did you discover you could still sing? (2:24)
Unable to speak because of aphasia, Roberta instinctively asked her daughter Darcy to bring her guitar and tin whistle. To everyone's surprise, she could still play music and sing.
It was an emotional moment that reminded her, and her family; that stroke hadn't taken away everything she loved.
"I couldn't speak, but I could sing."
Resources:
- EnableMe - Speech and language (aphasia)
- EnableMe – Aphasia Groups and Choirs
- Australian Aphasia Association
Music is really important to you. How did it help save you? (3:44)
Music became Roberta's motivation throughout recovery. It connected her with happier memories, gave her hope, and inspired her to work towards teaching again.
Rather than giving up, she set herself small goals and focused on returning to the people and activities that gave her life meaning.
"It gave me a purpose to try and get back to teaching singing, to get back involved with community, and back to my family."
Resources:
- EnableMe – Travel and Leisure
How important was your family's support? (4:52)
Roberta says she couldn't have navigated recovery without her husband Greg and their children. Their encouragement not only helped her recover but also strengthened the entire family.
She believes having people beside you, whether family or close friends - makes an enormous difference during recovery.
"I would be lost without Greg."
What would you say to families supporting someone after stroke? (5:40)
Looking back, Roberta understands just how much support from loved ones matters. She encourages families to simply be there, even when they don't know exactly what to do.
She also believes stroke reminded everyone in her family to appreciate time together and make the most of every moment.
"You need to have people around you."
Resources:
- EnableMe: Find a local support group
- Enableme: Carer resources and support
What is it like living with aphasia? (7:09)
Roberta explains that aphasia changes from day to day. Some mornings she can speak with very few difficulties, while other days finding words feels impossible.
She says tiredness and the time of day can also affect her communication, with symptoms often becoming more noticeable later in the day.
Despite these challenges, she has returned to teaching singing, and many new students don't initially realise she has aphasia.
"Sometimes I'll get up and the words just won't come."
Resources:
- Young Stroke: Tips for living with aphasia
How have you learned to be kinder to yourself? (8:26)
Recovery has included setbacks, including losing her brother and dealing with other health challenges. Through these experiences, Roberta has learned to slow down, let go of unnecessary worries, and accept that not every day will be the same.
Choosing happiness doesn't mean pretending everything is easy - it means giving herself permission to rest when she needs to.
"I choose to be happy... whatever happens today happens."
Resources:
If this story resonates with you and you have question, please call the team on StrokeLine 1800 787 653