Kids Have Strokes?

The Brendon's Smile Foundation's 2012 Lecture Series

Childhood Stroke: Back To The Future

by Fenell Kirkham MD, FRCP, FRCPCH

May 15, 2012

Please visit our Brendon's Smile Initiative Page for more information HERE

Brendon’s Smile… is a not for profit organization whose core purpose is to raise awareness for Childhood (Pediatric) Stroke, to inform readers of the signs/symptoms of stroke in infants and children, to educate medical professionals who treat children, to educate caregivers about advocating for child SURVIVORS of stroke, and to share resources which support those children who endure a stroke or strokes.  

Our son Brendon was born a SURVIVOR and we are so blessed to have him in our lives!

Three days shy of Brendon turning 19 months of age he was diagnosed as having suffered a stroke while in utero (womb). As a result of the stroke he has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Right Hemiparesis, Muscular Scoliosis, and Speech Apraxia. He has had bracing for both of his legs and his right hand and wrist. Brendon has had to endure Botox injections into the ligaments of his right leg and arm.  He participates in Occupational, Physical and Speech therapies. Brendon has a gorgeous smile and spirit that you can see by looking into his eyes. Through all of his frustration he manages to keep on smiling. Ask anyone who knows him…he lights up a room. Brendon’s spirit keeps us going!

It is important for every parent to know that doctors may not recognize the signs/symptoms of stroke in children. Brendon should have been diagnosed much earlier than 19 months of age. As a new mother, Jessica was told she was overly “paranoid.” Due to lack of a diagnosis by several doctors and specialists Brendon was denied the treatment he so badly needed and so much deserved.

In the days and weeks to come, this website will be a host for information regarding the Childhood Stroke phenomenon, stories of other SURVIVORS from around the world, and provide resources for families and friends of Childhood Stroke SURVIVORS as we learn about them (we often try them ourselves first).

Brendon's Smile maintains a cooperative relationship with a number of medical professionals who are actively working in the field of Childhood Stroke including physicians and therapists. It is our intent to provide these medical professionals a venue to provide current information regarding Childhood Stroke.

Finally, we will share Brendon’s story in hopes that it serves as a vehicle to promote awareness, research, and a commitment to develop resources for our children, these Childhood Stroke SURVIVORS.

You are invited to share in Brendon’s journey with us.

You may contact us, Stephen and Jessica Spear (creators of Brendon’s Smile…) at: brendonssmile@yahoo.com. 

To see Brendon’s blog, click here:  www.caringbridge.org/visit/brendonssmile.

We welcome your thoughts regarding our website and appreciate your feedback.  We want to know that we are helping other children and their caregivers who have been faced with the adversities of childhood stroke.

Thank you 

Stephen and Jessica Spear