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Senate adopts resolution recognizing May as National Stroke Awareness Month; Senator Dolly describes stroke and recovery
Summary
The California State Senate unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 40 recognizing May as National Stroke Awareness Month after Senator Dolly described her own stroke, recovery challenges including aphasia, and called for greater awareness of stroke symptoms and rehabilitation needs.
Senators on the California State Senate floor adopted Senate Resolution 40, recognizing May as National Stroke Awareness Month, after the measure’s author, Senator Dolly, described experiencing a stroke and urged awareness of aphasia and rehabilitation needs.
Senator Dolly opened debate by recounting her stroke: “Over a year ago, I had a stroke while in a hospital for a heart procedure. I was blessed to be in the hospital… I have aphasia and apraxia, which impacts my language and my speech, not intelligence,” she said. She asked colleagues to join her in recognizing the month and to elevate public understanding of stroke survivors’ needs.
The resolution frames aphasia as an often-invisible consequence of stroke and notes the prevalence of stroke survivors. Senator Grove, speaking as a coauthor, praised Dolly’s decision to speak on the floor and urged support: “I thank the author for having the courage to do what she did today on the floor.” Other members, including Senator Seayarto and Senator Wahab, spoke in support and emphasized the long recovery process and the importance of destigmatizing communication disabilities.
After brief remarks from multiple senators, Senator Dolly closed and the roll was called. The clerk announced the outcome and the presiding officer declared the resolution adopted by recorded vote. The official tally on the floor was recorded as 34 ayes, 0 noes.
Following adoption, Senator Dolly introduced members of her rehabilitation team and family who were in the gallery, naming speech and occupational therapists and her neurologist. She invited colleagues to meet those who supported her recovery and acknowledged the role of family and therapists in long-term rehabilitation.
The resolution does not appropriate funds or direct administrative action; it is a formal recognition intended to raise awareness of stroke and aphasia and to honor survivors and caregivers. The Senate’s adoption was unanimous on the recorded tally reported on the floor.
Votes at a glance: SR 40 — Adopted (recorded vote: 34–0).
