ALBISTON FOUNDATION

n 2005 Annemarie's father had a massive stroke, and like so many people, it changed his entire world in an instant. An educator for over 40 years, communicating with young adults was his passion. Aphasia, a communication disorder, left him struggling to carry on a conversation, read and write.

Annemarie and her husband Bruce set out to learn as much about Aphasia as possible and to make a positive difference for people struggling with this little-understood condition. They founded the Aphasia Center of Maine and held their first Andre R. Hemond Aphasia Retreat Weekend in July of 2012: retreats continue to be held annually.

Inspired by the positive changes one weekend could make in the lives of their participants, the Albiston's searched for a way to reach more people with a wide variety of challenges in more extended time frames. Their vision, now a reality, is the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center in Carrabassett Valley, Maine.