I was a child when my grandmother had a massive stroke that changed her life dramatically. It changed all our lives dramatically. I suppose it was that intimate knowledge of stroke that contributed to the idea in my mind that strokes are reserved for older individuals. Adults who may have higher health risks.
I’m not alone in my thinking, as many think of stroke as an “adult disease.” One that can potentially be avoided by lowering risk factors and maintaining good health. Don’t get me wrong, taking care of yourself and having good health is so important, but it also creates blinders to a world we live in.
Sometimes, with no apparent risk factors, we face a major diagnosis that changes everything. Whether it be personally, a family member, a friend or worse, your child. It’s a painful reality that our children can face diseases such as Cancer, Arthritis, Juvenile Diabetes and what we are dedicated too, Stroke.
The very idea that a stroke can happen at any age feels like new information to many. In fact, for many parents whose child has had a stroke- it’s through that diagnosis that we ever come to learn of the possibility of pediatric stroke. It’s a painful reality to countless families each year and a slippery slope to navigate a diagnosis of stroke in your child. I know this, because three years ago I was that parent.
I was that mom learning that my child had suffered a stroke at birth. I was that parent scouring the internet for any applicable information on stroke in children. Seeking resources that could potentially help my daughter reach her greatest potential and help support our family in the process. I had believed we were alone, that our family was rare, for many months. The moment I realized that there were families who have “been there,” organizations that existed and that were willing to share and provide support, was the moment I could begin breathing again. It’s a feeling I have heard many share.
The first time I heard the phrase “Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month.” I remember the competing feelings I felt in that moment. “Do I share?” “Do I open up my private life to potentially help someone else?” I remember reading stories of beautifully brave children and their families- celebrating huge milestones their child had made. I also remember the first time I read of and talked to a family who experienced the greatest loss of all, the loss of their child to stroke. That first May, Pediatric Stroke Awareness month, changed me forever. It changed my family forever. There was no longer the ability to dismiss the importance in awareness, or doubt that change can happen. There is strength and hope in numbers.
Last May, Pediatric Stroke Warriors was officially founded and recognized as a 501c3 in Washington State. We went from being known as a family dedicated to awareness, to an organization with volunteers across the PNW dedicated to this important change for pediatric stroke. Resources, support, visibility to education- we took a giant leap, and have never once regretted it. In 2 weeks, we host our first annual “Wishes for Warriors” Dinner and Auction fundraising event and its with anticipation that this will be a month of huge possibilities! May will always serve as that important month to us for getting others involved and #MakingMayMatter.
It is with great hope and with an ask- that all take some time this month to plug in, to join us and other organizations and families in Pediatric Stroke Awareness month. From virtual campaigns, speaking engagements, walks and “streak events” all creating awareness among communities, it’s hard to overlook the efforts. So, if you find yourself asking what’s this all about and is this important? Know that it is. Know that the simplest acts of taking part this month do matter and you do make a difference.
Be Brave. Be Fierce. Be Mighty.
#PediatricStrokeWarriors
I’m not alone in my thinking, as many think of stroke as an “adult disease.” One that can potentially be avoided by lowering risk factors and maintaining good health. Don’t get me wrong, taking care of yourself and having good health is so important, but it also creates blinders to a world we live in.
Sometimes, with no apparent risk factors, we face a major diagnosis that changes everything. Whether it be personally, a family member, a friend or worse, your child. It’s a painful reality that our children can face diseases such as Cancer, Arthritis, Juvenile Diabetes and what we are dedicated too, Stroke.
The very idea that a stroke can happen at any age feels like new information to many. In fact, for many parents whose child has had a stroke- it’s through that diagnosis that we ever come to learn of the possibility of pediatric stroke. It’s a painful reality to countless families each year and a slippery slope to navigate a diagnosis of stroke in your child. I know this, because three years ago I was that parent.
I was that mom learning that my child had suffered a stroke at birth. I was that parent scouring the internet for any applicable information on stroke in children. Seeking resources that could potentially help my daughter reach her greatest potential and help support our family in the process. I had believed we were alone, that our family was rare, for many months. The moment I realized that there were families who have “been there,” organizations that existed and that were willing to share and provide support, was the moment I could begin breathing again. It’s a feeling I have heard many share.
The first time I heard the phrase “Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month.” I remember the competing feelings I felt in that moment. “Do I share?” “Do I open up my private life to potentially help someone else?” I remember reading stories of beautifully brave children and their families- celebrating huge milestones their child had made. I also remember the first time I read of and talked to a family who experienced the greatest loss of all, the loss of their child to stroke. That first May, Pediatric Stroke Awareness month, changed me forever. It changed my family forever. There was no longer the ability to dismiss the importance in awareness, or doubt that change can happen. There is strength and hope in numbers.
Last May, Pediatric Stroke Warriors was officially founded and recognized as a 501c3 in Washington State. We went from being known as a family dedicated to awareness, to an organization with volunteers across the PNW dedicated to this important change for pediatric stroke. Resources, support, visibility to education- we took a giant leap, and have never once regretted it. In 2 weeks, we host our first annual “Wishes for Warriors” Dinner and Auction fundraising event and its with anticipation that this will be a month of huge possibilities! May will always serve as that important month to us for getting others involved and #MakingMayMatter.
It is with great hope and with an ask- that all take some time this month to plug in, to join us and other organizations and families in Pediatric Stroke Awareness month. From virtual campaigns, speaking engagements, walks and “streak events” all creating awareness among communities, it’s hard to overlook the efforts. So, if you find yourself asking what’s this all about and is this important? Know that it is. Know that the simplest acts of taking part this month do matter and you do make a difference.
Be Brave. Be Fierce. Be Mighty.
#PediatricStrokeWarriors
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