05/22/2025
Jon Olson has a passion for mountain biking and working with children. He worked for an interscholastic bicycle organization and while riding his bike with colleagues in May 2024, Jon began experiencing weakness on his right side and memory loss.
He was brought to the hospital and diagnosed with bleeding in his brain, along with hydrocephalus, a condition in which pressure builds up in the brain.
Following surgeries to help reduce the pressure, he was transferred to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Chester, New Jersey, for continued medical care which included physical, occupational and speech therapy to start his recovery journey.
One of Jon's biggest challenges was communication, particularly speaking with one-word responses and frequently struggling to find the correct word. He was diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder that affects various aspects of language, including a person's ability to speak, understand spoken language, read and write.
After completing inpatient rehabilitation, Jon continued outpatient therapy at our center in Flanders, New Jersey. Jon has come a long way throughout this year, achieving his physical and occupational therapy goals. He recently resumed driving, riding his bike and has returned to work.
He's currently demonstrating strong motivation and determination in speech therapy to regain his independence. He also attends the Adler Aphasia Center's virtual group sessions to supplement his individual therapy.
Jon is now able to have meaningful conversations at home, in his community and at work with greater success.
We look forward to seeing you continue to regain your independence, Jon!
