Meet Tiny Light Emma. This sweet, seven year old is very social and loves those around her, especially her three brothers, Ryan, Matthew, and William. She loves gymnastics (or “jumping class,” as she calls it), swimming and baseball. Emma also enjoys playing with her dolls, going to school and trying new things. She demonstrates an amazing strength, despite her struggles early in life.
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Emma suffered a massive stroke in utero, causing her to lose the majority of the left side of her brain. She also developed hydrocephalus which required a shunt to be placed in her brain when she was only one month old. The brain injury also caused a seizure disorder, which is controlled with medication. However, some of her more severe seizures require trips to the hospital. Though Emma has some physical challenges and has some difficulty with communication and learning, she remains joyful. Her parents don’t know what the future will bring, but they remain positive. They are looking forward to helping her reach her potential and hope that she lives a life of joy and happiness.
Related: What is Traumatic Brain Injury? [2]
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Emma’s parents have some great advice for other families raising children with brain injury. “You never really know what the outcome will be. Don’t get bogged down with predictions; the only thing that should limit your child is your child. Be creative and see how you can incorporate and adapt things so you and your child don’t have to miss out on anything. Get the things done that you need to get done, like medical stuff, medications, and therapy. But don’t forget to give them time to be a kid, too. Also, ask for help. Include others in the care of your child so that you are able to have time to focus on other things.”
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Pediatric Stoke & Hydrocephalus
Story written by Emily Harrison
Photos by Ginger Snaps! Photography By Lee-Ann Dueck www.gingersnapsphotos.com [8]
Read More Stories From The Tiny Light Foundation [9]
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- Surviving and Living with a Traumatic Brain Injury [18]
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This post originally appeared on our November/December 2012 Magazine [21]