A stroke in a newborn is very different from a stroke in an adult. When adults have a stroke, they lose skills they already had - like walking, talking or using their hands and can work to regain them. Their brains already learned those abilities once.

When a baby has a stroke, their brain is still developing. That means it’s not about getting skills back, it’s about learning them for the very first time. Some functions were never fully developed before the injury happened, so the brain has to build those abilities from scratch - often using different pathways.

Due to this early brain injury, our son has cerebral palsy. His brain is incredibly adaptable (a concept called neuroplasticity) which means it can create new connections and find alternative ways to learn and grow.

His recovery and motor development will always look different, this is something he will navigate for life. That’s why early and ongoing therapy is so important. Physical and occupational therapy are one of the only treatments offered that insurance will cover. By starting therapy since he was born, we are giving him the best possible chance to build strength, develop skills, and improve his outcomes as he grows.

*The MUSE stem cell therapy we are funding for is a treatment that is not offered, nor even tested on for CP in the United States nor covered by insurance. Stem cells have an incredible ability to heal the body, and these specific type of stem cells will hone into injured sites anywhere in the body and even the brain. At our son‘s young age, this treatment could very well improve his motor function for the rest of his life if we act soon.*

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read. We appreciate every prayer, share and donation. Every engagement matters. You are making a huge impact on our son’s life and we are ever so grateful to be supported by this community 💚🙏🏻