Nick was born July 12th 2005, 3 weeks early by emergency C-Section. Nick was blue and not breathing when he was born. He was monitored for a few days by hospital staff and then his mom and dad were told Nick was fine and that they could take him home. Tanya (Nick’s mom) thought it was odd that tiny 2-4 lb. babies were moving their bodies all over, but Nick wasn’t. She called in her childhood pediatrician who agreed that the situation needed further investigation. Nick was transferred by Life-Link to Fairview Minneapolis and was put in critical care for observation. After several days and several tests, a MRI showed that Nick suffered a spinal cord stroke in utero.

The stroke has left Nick with paralysis from T-3 vertebrae down (this is chest level). Nick does not have independent use of his bowels, bladder or lower extremities. He is unable to bear weight on his legs and uses a wheelchair to be mobile. Nick has had pneumonia several times due to the location of his stroke, which has resulted in his having weak lungs.

Nick is currently in 3-year-old preschool. He does therapy at least 2 times per week and has done several intense therapy sessions lasting 1- 2 weeks each. Despite how bad this may sound to some, Nick is an absolute joy to his family. He is a wonderful brother to his two older sisters (Samantha 8, and Mikayla 6) and an inspiration to all that meet him. Tanya says they feel so blessed to have Nick in their lives!

Regardless of what all the medical professionals say, Nick’s family says they will never give up on improvement for Nick.

Brendon’s Smile is proud to elect Nicholas Deyo as our December 2008 Hero of the Month. Nick is also our first Hero of the Month!

To learn more about Nick please visit his Caring Bridge site at:

Nick's Caring Bridge Site

To learn more about spinal conditions, including spinal stroke please visit:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke