From Survivor to Aphasia Ambassador: How Phil Oxendine is Changing the Aphasia Community

Genevieve Richardson

Author

Genevieve Richardson

Author

Aphasia can take your words, but it doesn’t have to take your future.

From Survivor to Aphasia Ambassador: How Phil Oxendine is Changing the Aphasia Community

Aphasia can take your words, but it doesn’t have to take your future.

What happens when life as you know it is turned upside down? When the simple act of speaking—something you’ve done your entire life—is suddenly impossible?

For Phil Oxendine, this wasn’t just a hypothetical question—it was his reality after suffering a stroke and experiencing aphasia, a language disorder that affects the ability to speak, understand, read, and write.

Phil could have given up. Many people in his position might have. But he didn’t.

Instead, Phil embraced the idea that "there’s no choice—you have to work for it, because it’s all up from the bottom."

Today, Phil is not only rebuilding his own voice, but he’s also helping others reclaim theirs. As a National Aphasia Association Ambassador, a YouTube content creator, and an advocate for virtual aphasia communities, Phil is making a profound impact in the aphasia world.

This is his journey—from survivor to ambassador, and how he’s amplifying the voices of people with aphasia worldwide.

How I Met Phil: A Shared Mission to Empower the Aphasia Community

I first met Phil Oxendine on February 28, 2025, when I presented to Stroke Buddies (@strokebuddies) on Facebook and YouTube. We discussed a topic that I am deeply passionate about:

🧠 Why Aphasia Recovery Never Stops & How You Can Work on It at Home

One of the biggest misconceptions about aphasia is that recovery ends after a certain period. But research shows that neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire and create new pathways—never stops.

What does this mean for aphasia recovery?

Progress is always possible, no matter how much time has passed since a stroke.
People with aphasia can actively work on their recovery at home using the content they already have and enjoy.
Speaking, listening, reading, and writing every day strengthens brain connections.

Phil was one of the people in the Stroke Buddies session who connected with this message. He had already been participating in multiple virtual aphasia support groups and loved hearing people’s stories. But this conversation solidified something for him:

💬 He wanted to create a platform where people with aphasia could share their stories, support each other, and be seen.

And that’s exactly what he did.

From Isolation to Connection: Phil’s Journey Through Virtual Aphasia Communities

After his stroke, Phil struggled to speak and communicate. Like many survivors, he felt frustrated, lost, and uncertain about his future. But one thing became clear to him:

📢 "If you don’t use your voice, you lose it."

Determined to improve, he joined virtual aphasia groups and online support communities, where he met other survivors who were also navigating the challenges of communication.

Through these virtual meetings, Phil realized something powerful:

Every person with aphasia has a story.
Talking, even when difficult, is key to recovery.
Aphasia doesn’t define a person—there’s life beyond the diagnosis.

As he listened to others share their struggles and triumphs, something sparked inside him. He thought:

🤔 "What if I could create a space where more people with aphasia could tell their stories?"

And that’s how his YouTube journey began.

Why Phil Created a YouTube Channel for the Aphasia Community

🎥 Phil’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@AphasiaP

Phil knew that many people with aphasia struggle to be heard. They are often talked about—but not always given the chance to speak for themselves.

So, he set out to change that.

His goal?

Give a voice to people with aphasia.
Create a safe space for them to share their journey.
Show that aphasia doesn’t mean the end—it’s a new beginning.

Want to share your story? Apply to be a guest on Phil’s show!

Phil’s Role as an Aphasia Ambassador & His Resources for Survivors

Phil’s dedication to the aphasia community didn’t go unnoticed. He is now an official Aphasia Ambassador for the National Aphasia Association.

As an ambassador, Phil is working to:

Raise awareness about aphasia and recovery.
Connect survivors with resources that help them regain confidence.
Continue inspiring and supporting others on their journey.

Want to learn more about aphasia and connect with others?

Visit the National Aphasia Association: www.aphasia.org

Resources to Support Your Aphasia Recovery

Phil’s Research & YouTube Resources:

Research Opportunities for People with Aphasia → View Research Opportunities
How to Make a YouTube Video For Beginners → Watch here
How to Create a YouTube Channel in 2025 → Watch here

Additional Free Aphasia Resources:

3 Key Reasons Why Aphasia Recovery Never Stops → Download here
For care partners: Free 5-Day Email Course →Sign Up Here

Final Thoughts: Why Phil’s Story Matters

Phil’s journey isn’t just about his personal recovery—it’s about the thousands of others living with aphasia who need support, encouragement, and a reminder that their voices matter.

If you or someone you love is living with aphasia, know that recovery is always possible. You have the power to work on your progress every day, just like Phil.

🔗 Watch or Listen to the full episode HERE