Aphasia makes that tricky thing where your brain knows exactly what you want to say, but the words get stuck or come out jumbled. It’s frustrating, but it’s also taught me something beautiful.
Back in November 2025, I met Marie-Eloise Leclair. ( https://www.psu-aphasia.com/alumni/a-fun-lunch-at-penn-state/) I asked her if she would run at the Penn Relays, and she said she would and that she would make sure I got a ticket since I only lived a mile from Franklin Field.
On Friday, April 24, I went to watch Penn State compete in the Sprint Relay Champions of America at the Penn Relays. The Sprint Relay consists of four legs: 200 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, and 800 meters. Marie-Eloise ran the 400-meter leg, which is notable because she usually specializes in the 100-meter dash.
The Penn State relay team included Addyson White, Alexandria North, Marie-Eloise Leclair, and Hayley Kitching.
Watching the race was thrilling. During the 800-meter leg, Hayley started in second place for the first 400 meters. In the final lap, she surged ahead and took the lead with just 200 meters remaining. The team crossed the finish line in first place, securing the win.
After the game, I got to see Marie-Eloise again.
I went back again on Saturday. I was in the stands cheering. I snapped a lot of photos. In that moment, I felt totally connected. Aphasia didn’t take away the feeling. It just made me slower with the telling. So I’m practicing: reaching out more, sharing photos, and letting you fill in the blanks with your own memories.
Penn State won another race on the Women’s 4 x 800 Championship of America, beating Stanford, North Carolina, and Washington. Another relay team, including Allison Johnson, Tayissa Buchanon, Boh Ritchie, and Haylen Kitching.
“The field raced as a big pack through the first leg, with the front runners being Penn State, Stanford, North Carolina, and Washington. Penn State, Stanford, North Carolina, and Washington broke away during the second leg, with Washington and Stanford being even at the second exchange while Penn State and North Carolina were steps behind. Penn State made their move at 500m into the third leg, surging to the front. At the final exchange, Penn State had a 30m gap over Stanford and North Carolina. Penn State’s lead grew to 40m at the bell lap. While Stanford’s anchor was able to make up some ground, Penn State was too strong as they won with a time that’s the sixth fastest in meet history.” (pennrelayonline.com)
If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words—or if you just want to reminisce about great days like the Penn Relays—know that you’re not alone. Sometimes the memories shine brighter than any words, and sharing them, in any way you can, is what matters most.
WE ARE …