Meet our August 2010 Stroke Hero Of The Month - Jack Kessler

Meet Jack Kessler, an 8 year old energetic young man introduced to Brendon's Smile through our efforts to raise awareness..

Jack was born at 33 weeks on May 26, eight years ago, with no prior indication that he would be early or that there was anything wrong.   Complications did arise, and Jack had to be resuscitated twice at birth.  He was placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital in Syracuse New York for 19 days. Kimberlie knew within Jack’s first few months something was not 'right'.  Kimberlie feels qualified to have made this observation as a mother first and foremost, and after having 4 other children without any “issues”.   It was not until Jack’s NICU follow up appointment that his parents received the news and it was if a bomb had been dropped; Jack was severely physically challenged.  Kimberlie and Michael were told Jack would never walk, talk, or see.  

Immediately at 8 months old Jack started physical therapy; at 10 months of age Kimberlie and Michael made an appointment with a pediatric developmental physician who, in essence, pooh-poohed away the concept that anything was wrong.  The physician went so far as to assure Jack’s parents that if left alone and not expected to perform to his siblings' development speed, he (Jack) would progress just fine. No tests were ordered despite the concerns of Kimberlie and Michael.  Kimberlie was simply written off as an over-expectant mother ( a rather chilling similarity to other stories…yes?)

FOREWARD:  Two months later in agony waiting and observing with  no progress for Jack.  The Kessler’s pediatrician ordered a Magnetic Resolution Imaging (MRI). With the MRI the family learned the cause for which they had searched.  Jack had suffered a STROKE, localized in an area in the right frontal lobe.  The trauma was diffused throughout his brain, along with a very small corpus colosum and very large ventricles.

There are conflicting reports between Jack’s various specialists as to whether or not he actually suffered a "stroke." There is no question that he has sustained some form of brain injury.  Jack is diagnosed with a definite Left Hemiparesis with some affects on the right side as well. Jack does have vision issues (difficulty seeing far away) as well as physical mobility challenges; he has some difficulties walking long distances.  Jack has issues writing--it's extremely difficult for him.

He wears an AFO (Ankle-foot orthoses) on his left leg, and often has to wear his knee brace.  Due to intense hamstring tightness, Jack’s knee cap dislocates making it extremely painful and then impossible for him to walk - take out the period (but it's cool, because the NBA players wear 'em too).  As if all of this wasn’t enough of a challenge for an 8-year-old, Jack’s lungs are diminished making him susceptible to colds and pneumonia.  During his kindergarten years, Jack required two sets of PE tubes and a tonsillectomy that left him very sick and out of school for six weeks.

None of this has stopped Jack from achieving all that he has.    Kimberlie says Jack can make anyone at any given time of day smile, or laugh insanely. Jack is an amazing 8 year old boy who is an AVID sports fan! He knows football plays as well as any NFL player out there. He is reading very well, and is a successful student, mainstreamed into a regular education classroom and will be entering 3rd grade in the fall. He plays soccer for the Kessler’s local AYSO.  Jack is hoping to play basketball this year, and the Kesslers are starting a 'Challenger league" in cooperation with their Little League organization this year.  He is, as of this summer, swimming under water and jumping off the diving board with NO floaty, and swimming to daddy.

Jack is a priceless gift to the Kessler family as well as anyone who has had the privilege of meeting him. Kimberlie describes Jack’s sense of humor as one that can light up your darkest day...and nothing beats his snuggles. Don't let him play you in checkers; He's an ACE! And...if it's sports trivia you're interested in, on any level, he's the go-to guy (editors note: Sounds like we could have used Jack on a few trivia nights).

Kimberlie said that its not been an easy road for Jack and his family, and she doesn't expect it ever will be. But experience has taught them that most things worth having are not come by easily.

We recognize and honor Jack Kessler, for succeeding in spite of the obstacles and lack of understanding placed in his way. Jack and his fellow STROKE SURVIVORS represent hope for a future where the phrase CHILDHOOD STROKE isn't associated with the response "I've never heard of that!" As we find with every STROKE HERO, in Jack's pursuit to be treated as normal he ascends to exceptional.

Congradulations to Jack Kessler, August 2010 Hero of the Month!