National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders

06/20/2026

Day 20 of is here! 🎉

Another day, another swallowing-awareness challenge!

We’re continuing to highlight dysphagia awareness and support for the swallowing disorders community *all* month long.

👉 Play today’s GERDLE here: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/gerdle

Today’s puzzle is proudly sponsored by NFOSD in support of education, advocacy, and awareness for dysphagia. 💙

Remember to share your results publicly and tag to be entered into weekly $50 gift card giveaways!

Sponsor website: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/

06/19/2026

Day 19 of is live! 🎉

It might take a Meira-cle to solve today's puzzle - brought to you by (see what we did there?)

Each day of GERDLE helps start conversations about dysphagia and swallowing disorders during Dysphagia Awareness Month.

👉 Play today’s GERDLE here: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/gerdle

A special thank you to today’s sponsor, MeiraGTx, for supporting people with dysphagia through clinical trials. 💙

Share your results publicly and tag for a chance to win weekly giveaways!

Sponsor website: https://meiragtx.com/

06/18/2026

For over 40 years, swallowing wasn't just a function for Michael Coe; it was fundamental to his profession as a Chef and Certified Master Baker.

In 2023, multiple cerebellar and brainstem strokes changed everything.

Dysphagia is one of the most common and least talked about consequences of stroke. It threatens a fundamental function we rarely think about as we go about our daily lives.

For Michael, Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation, a treatment that works by restoring the brain's ability to initiate and coordinate safe swallowing, offered a path forward.

He regained his ability to swallow, avoided a surgical PEG tube placement, and returned to his career that had defined his life for more than four decades.

"That was the happiest day I think I've experienced since my marriage."

His story is one of thousands. This Dysphagia Awareness Month helps make sure more people know that early treatment options exist.

Watch Michael's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX1o_7MeMU8

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06/18/2026

Day 18 of is here! 🎉

And we altered the rules to make the answer an extra letter!

GERDLE continues to help bring visibility to swallowing disorders and the millions impacted by dysphagia.

👉 Play today’s GERDLE here: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/gerdle

Thank you to today’s sponsor, - Phagenesis - for supporting dysphagia awareness and innovation in swallowing treatment. 💙

Share your results publicly and tag for a chance to win weekly $50 gift card giveaways!

Sponsor website: https://www.phagenesis.com/

06/17/2026

Dry mouth after head and neck cancer isn't just uncomfortable—it can affect swallowing, speaking, sleeping, oral health, and overall quality of life.

In this reel, hear one survivor's experience finding a product that helped make daily life a little easier. While no single solution works for everyone, discovering the right tools and strategies can make a meaningful difference.

If you've experienced dry mouth after cancer treatment, what has helped you manage your symptoms? Share your tips in the comments—you never know who might benefit from your experience.

06/17/2026

📢 Good News for NICU Families!

We are proud to support a new support group dedicated to parents and caregivers of premature infants who are navigating feeding and breastfeeding challenges. Virtual or in person!

The journey from the NICU to home can be filled with questions, emotions, and uncertainty. This support group provides a welcoming space to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of feeding preterm infants, share experiences, and find encouragement along the way.

Whether you're currently in the NICU or adjusting to life at home, you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

💙 Connect with other families
💙 Share experiences and resources
💙 Find support from those who understand

Learn more and register today!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuUf7p2ptHDAg6h95_0Bo_m26rEG9Q7WjkMJIEmp42ub6Ilg/viewform

06/17/2026

Day 17 of is live! 🎉

Can you solve today’s challenge? 🥸

We’re continuing to raise awareness for dysphagia all month long through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

👉 Play today’s GERDLE here: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/gerdle

A big thank you to today’s sponsor, - Aquoral - for supporting individuals impacted by swallowing disorders and dry mouth. 💙

Don’t forget to share your results publicly and tag for a chance to win weekly $50 gift card giveaways!

Sponsor website: https://aquoralspray.com/

06/16/2026

Meet Robin: after years of living with a complex swallowing disorder, she is now eating again.

This inspiring story highlights the power of persistence, innovative treatment, and hope in the face of significant swallowing challenges.

For anyone living with dysphagia—or supporting someone who is—this is a reminder that progress is possible.

Read the full story here:
https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/patient-with-complex-swallowing-disorder-eats-again/



Thanks to NYU Langone for permission to republish Robin's story!

06/16/2026

Day 16 of is here! 🎉

Did today’s puzzle make you think twice? 💦

Every puzzle shared helps spread awareness about dysphagia and the importance of swallowing research.

👉 Play today’s GERDLE here: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/gerdle

Thank you to today’s sponsor, - DRS - for supporting Dysphagia Awareness Month and the swallowing disorders research community. 💙

Share your results publicly and tag to enter weekly $50 gift card giveaways!

Sponsor website: https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/

06/15/2026

Sometimes awareness starts with a story—and sometimes it starts with a voice people already know and love.

The Gaffigans helped shine a light on swallowing disorders after Jeannie Gaffigan experienced dysphagia following brain tumor surgery and complications affecting her ability to swallow. Their openness brought visibility to a condition that is often invisible, deeply personal, and life-changing.

By sharing their journey, they helped normalize conversations about dysphagia, feeding tubes, and swallow rehabilitation—reminding us that recovery is possible and that no one should feel alone in this experience.

📖 Read more about their story: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/the-gaffigans-raise-awareness-of-swallowing-disorders/