Ernest Bhabor Stroke & Aphasia Foundation

06 Jul 2026 Stroke support

The WSO welcomes the Ernest Bhabor Stroke & Aphasia Foundation (EBSAF), a New York City-based nonprofit organization, as a new member of the global stroke support organization (SSO) network.

Founded by stroke and aphasia survivor, filmmaker and author, Ernest Bhabor, the Foundation was established to improve the lives of stroke survivors and people living with aphasia through education, advocacy, peer support and community engagement. The Foundation draws on lived experience to address the long-term challenges that many stroke survivors and their families face during recovery.

The Foundation's mission is to restore voices, rebuild lives and champion equitable access to stroke recovery services. Its work focuses on raising awareness of stroke and aphasia, connecting survivors with rehabilitation resources, supporting caregivers, and advocating for improved access to speech and language therapy and long-term rehabilitation. Through education and community outreach, EBSAF also promotes recognition of stroke symptoms and the importance of timely intervention.

Increasing public understanding of aphasia is a key priority for the Foundation, which works to ensure that survivors are supported not only through rehabilitation but also through greater inclusion within their communities.

Ernest has transformed his personal journey into a platform for change. As a filmmaker and author, he brings a unique ability to translate lived experience into storytelling that resonates across audiences — from clinical professionals to the broader public.

Past Successes

Published Live Again: How I Survived a Stroke, Aphasia, and Reclaimed My Life — a memoir chronicling Ernest's journey through stroke and aphasia recovery, now used as an advocacy and awareness tool.
Incorporated the Ernest Bhabor Stroke and Aphasia Foundation as a registered nonprofit organization with the New York State Department of State.
Established EBSAF's digital presence, including a dedicated website (www.ErnestBhaborFoundation.org), Google Workspace, and multi-platform social media channels (@EBFoundationOrg).
Built community outreach infrastructure including donation platforms, foundation stationery, and public educational content targeting underserved communities in New York City.

Upcoming Activities

Submitting a nomination for the WSO "20 Voices of Lived Experience" Award (deadline July 12, 2026).
Expanding community programming in Brooklyn, New York to provide peer support, aphasia awareness workshops, and survivor resources to underserved populations.
Developing documentary and multimedia storytelling projects to raise public awareness of stroke and aphasia.

“Stroke took my words. Aphasia made the world think I had lost my mind. I had not. I had lost my language — and there is a difference that the world needs to understand. That is why I built this Foundation: so that no survivor has to fight alone, and no voice stays silent. Life after stroke can still be full.”

— Ernest Bhabor, Founder, Ernest Bhabor Stroke and Aphasia Foundation