September 11, 1998 

"My mind hovers in the cave searching for crashed files."
"My mind is a jigsaw cutting around and around until the shape is found."
These enigmatic sentences can be seen on colorful banners displayed on the Western Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue and JFK bridges over the Charles River. Expressing the frustration of stroke survivors who suffer from a condition called aphasia, the dramatic banners were created by members of the Aphasia Community Group, which meets at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Aphasia is a communication disorder in which a brain injury impairs speech, word comprehension, reading and writing.

Cambridge-based artist Ellen Driscoll began the project, called "Mum's the Word," in honor of her father, who developed aphasia after a stroke in 1975. Philip Driscoll, who died in 1993, was a patient at Spaulding for six months after his stroke.

There are 48 banner designs, each reflecting how aphasiacs see themselves and their illness. The banners will be on display throughout September.