Chloe never gives up and she never gives in
By George and Kayla (Dad and Mum)
A week before our daughter Chloe's 11th birthday she had a stroke.
It was a normal day; the family were doing everyday activities when Chloe started hysterically screaming in pain. Chloe has autism, and we were not sure if she was having a normal headache with 'big emotions' and called NURSE-ON-CALL for help.
On top of the headache, Chloe started vomiting, and then her legs couldn’t hold her up. She complained about being dizzy and unable to see.
Four hours after her first symptoms, Chloe had an operation to stop the bleeding in her brain, and she spent the next five days in a medically induced coma. Chloe was in hospital for her 11th birthday, which she celebrated virtually with 240 guests and 20 pets.
During this time, our family faced several crises, with the passing of Chloe's Granddad, Karla catching viral meningitis, and her dog OBI dying. It was a lot for Chloe to face, but she did, and with resilience beyond her years.
Chloe cuddling Obi the day she came home from hospital
For Chloe's 12th birthday she celebrated her missed 11th and turned 12 in a big celebration of her life. She shared a PowerPoint of her story which she narrated in front of 80 guests, thanking her family, her friends, and our close-knit community in Kyneton.
Chloe has a big, open and loving heart. Even in hospital Chloe was more concerned with other children than herself. One day we were out buying supplies for her birthday party, Chloe needed help, but she kept quiet. When we asked why she didn't press the button to alert the nurse, Chloe said, "I wanted the other kids to live."
Now two years later, Chloe is still making gains in her recovery and has gradually returned to school. She is finding her way, despite cognitive and processing challenges, and issues with her sight and sleep.
We want to thank the amazing team of health professionals who have supported Chloe both in and out of the hospital. We have always thought of heroes as sports people, actors or rock stars. But it is now health professionals who are our heroes.
A special thanks, to Dr Patrick Lo and the team at The Children's Hospital, who saved our daughters' life and who have done the most special thing for our family - given us back our child.
We’re so proud of you Chloe and we love you very much – Dad and Mum.
The family with Obi
Chloe was recently a finalist for the 2022 Stroke Warrior Award, which celebrates the courage children demonstrate in facing life after a stroke. And courage (and caring) should be Chloe's middle name.
Chloe and her family recently marked Chloe’s two-year stroke anniversary.
Chloe and her BFF Maddison at the Stroke Awards 2022