Unstoppable Alex taking on the world one step at a time

By Marian

I remember vividly the moment when a paediatrician looked at me and asked if there was a big difference between my newborn, Alex, and my first two children. I said yes. At just four days old, Alex hadn’t been feeding or waking up properly. I shrugged it off, putting it down to him being born a bit early, at 37 weeks. But the concern in the paediatrican’s eyes hinted at something more serious.

Within two days, our lives turned upside down. One moment we were packing up to go home, and the next we were thrown into the chaos of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), watching helplessly as Alex battled repeated seizures. An MRI later revealed the devasting truth: Alex had a massive stroke just days before birth. The diagnosis of right-sided hemiplegia was crushing, along with the possibility that he may never walk or talk.

But we weren’t ready to accept that future.

At just six weeks old, fresh from the hospital, we jumped into early intervention. We were fortunate to secure a place in both a hospital trial and the Early Intervention Program at the Children’s Hospital. With the support of our GP, we navigated the maze of paperwork to access NDIS funding: all with one goal in mind - to give Alex the best possible start.

Now, as Alex approaches his fifth birthday and prepares for the next big chapter at school, I can’t help but reflect on just how far he’s come. It has been a challenging road, but one paved with hope, determination and huge progress. Thanks to the dedication of his therapists - and Alex’s fierce determination to keep up with his older brothers - he’s not just walking, he’s running.

Watching Alex embrace life with such courage fills me with pride. Of all my children, he has shown the most incredible strength. There’s no stopping him. Yes, we face ongoing challenges as a family. I’ve had to step away from my job to support him, taking him to therapy four days a week. Family activities like bike rides and sports have had to evolve - but we’re committed to finding the right equipment, the right teams and the right way for Alex to join in and thrive.

Every day with Alex is a gift, and each milestone feels monumental. His two big brothers are his greatest champions – supporting, encouraging and advocating for him at every turn. Without their love and guidance, I’m not sure Alex would have made such strides. We’re also deeply grateful for our wider support network who’ve been there every step of the way. Alex is a true little warrior – resilient, determined, and constantly surprising us with what he can do.