Sandie and Larry Varcoe have been named the Louise and Frank Nieboer Lecturers for 2024. Sandie experienced a stroke many years ago and Larry is her husband of nearly 57 years, and main caregiver. Together, they have created a community support network in eastern Ontario in and around Belleville.
Sandie suffered a stroke in 1986 at the age of 35 and lives with severe aphasia and still has mobility and movement challenges. This has not slowed them down. She and Larry work as equals in their community, making sure that no one has to go through the life changes as a result of stroke alone. They are recognized and respected for their incredible efforts in being activists, always looking for opportunities to promote the views and interests of people living with stroke and driving improvements in support and recovery. Their work to expand aphasia programs in their region and increase accessibility to supports for people living with aphasia, and leading by example has improved so many lives. They inspire so many others every day with their phone calls, social events, and visits to bring joy and hope to others at such a challenging time.