Childhood Stroke Week

Dear little stroke warriors and the families who love them. 

I am writing to you as someone who once stood exactly where you are now: a little stroke warrior who grew up.  

Keep going, and find a life full of meaning, purpose, and fulfilment.  

Before anything else: you are still you. Not broken. Not alone. You are strong, clever, funny, kind, and full of possibilities. 

Having a stroke so young can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at times - unfair. You might wonder why your body feels different, why things take more effort, or why no one else seems to be struggling the way you are. 

Some days you might feel so proud of how far you’ve come and the strong person you are. Other days you might feel a huge sense of tiredness, sadness, or frustration. All of that is okay. Every feeling is valid, and you are allowed to feel what you feel. 

I won’t pretend the road is easy. Growing up after a stroke often means learning things in new ways and thinking outside the box. Some days might feel like the pieces don’t quite fit together - but you will get there. 

And I promise you this: there is so much life waiting for you. Your story does not end with stroke, and it does not define the incredible things you will achieve. 

You will find strengths you didn’t know you had. You will meet people who truly see you. You will discover ways of doing things that are uniquely yours. 

The challenges you face now may one day become the very things that make you compassionate, determined, creative, and brave. 

I am so proud of you for showing up, for trying again in a different way, for not giving up, and for doing hard things on days when others don’t see how hard they are. 

You don’t have to be “inspiring” or “strong.” You just need to be yourself, and that is already enough. 

To the families: thank you for the endless love you show, the patience, advocacy, and quiet courage you show every day. Your belief matters more than you know. The safety you create gives these kids room to grow, heal, and dream big. 

And to all of you together kids, siblings, parents, carers: I know things might feel heavy with so many unknowns, but please know this - life after childhood stroke can be meaningful, joyful, and rich. 

Just because it may look different to what you pictured does not mean less. It simply means different... 

Keep going. Keep hoping. Keep being proud of how far you’ve come. 

With understanding, care, and belief in you, from a grown-up who once walked this path.