Catherine Bang
My interest and experience include: aphasia awareness and rights, under 65 stroke survivor companionship, disability rights, advocacy in a hospital setting, parent of abled children
I am originally from Dunedin. I moved to Hamilton with my 2 children late in 2005. In 2013 I had a stroke due to fibromuscular dysplasia, which caused me to have aphasia. I was 42, my children were 12 and 14. I could not speak, read, or write, I couldn’t even understand at the time. I’ve come a long way since then.
My children have both left home and gone onto Uni. I volunteered at the local Hospital for 6 years, and I set up the Hamilton under 65 stroke survivors. I’m in the Korero club with Aphasia NZ, and I warmly take every opportunity to speak about aphasia. I joined the DPA (Disabled Peoples Assembly) a few years back, and that has got me even more into Disabled Rights.
I love spending time with my children and their partners. I love walking my dog who is great company. I love walking and nature and I love watching Netflix.
I have a BA (History,) LLB, Dip Grad (Community & Family Studies) and like working alongside stroke and aphasia survivors and being involved with DPA.