Elaine Santore

When I was in high school, my parents took me to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform in San Jose. My dad is a huge Springsteen fan, and always related to Bruce because they're both half-Italian and from the East Coast. 

I distinctly remember Bruce saving Clarence Clemons' introduction for last. Being a pretty big fan myself, I screamed Clarence's name along with everyone else in the arena. 

They don't call him "Big Man" for nothing: his soul, presence and talent were bigger than the stage, the arena, and you could feel it. 

Fast forward about ten years (yes, I am aware that I'm dating myself here): BFF Aaron, aka The Hoff, posted the video for Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" on my Facebook wall. 

I immediately loved the video because Gaga's rocking pretty much all of my favorite burlesque accessories (fingerless gloves, garter belt, shades, tons of black eyeliner, etc.), and there's a Springsteen-inspired saxophone solo by a big dude who looks like Clarence Clemons.

So I Google Clarence's name and I was saddened to find out that he suffered a stroke. Even sadder to find out that he died over the weekend. 

The news hit close to home not only because of my love for Clarence and the E Street Band, but because my mother had a stroke last November. 

Fortunately, she survived and continues to recover every day thanks to her amazing caregivers, therapists, family support and strong faith. 

My prayers go out to Clarence's family and his band. Hopefully, his death will bring more awareness to stroke prevention and awareness, especially in the African-American community. 

Those who fortunate enough to survive a stroke have a long road ahead of them, both physically and mentally. 

My mother suffers from Aphasia, a speech disorder that makes it difficult for her to communicate and have even simple conversations with people. 

She gets frustrated because she can understand what people are saying, but cannot always respond with the right words at the right time. 

You know the feeling you get when a word or phrase is at the tip of your tongue? Imagine feeling that way every single day, every time you need to speak to someone.

Along with her speech therapy sessions, she practices phrases, letters, and other exercises using Aphasia iPad applications by Lingraphica. Their apps are excellent, and free for anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. 

Since my mother got sick last fall, I have been reading the Aphasia Corner Blog for tips and advice for caregivers and family members. 

Throughout my mother's recovery, she has used music to help her with her speech therapy, power through her physical and occupational therapy (she was partially paralyzed on her right side and often walks with a cane).

My prayers are with Clarence's family, his band, and his fans.