Stroke Awareness Month, School, Epilepsy 5K and a Public Service Announcement

It’s been about a month since my last post so I figure I should post something. It’s actually been pretty slow in James’ life. He’s been staying healthy for the most part. We’ve had a day or two here and there where he’s been a bit off, but that’s just James. Hopefully now that spring is finally here, he’ll remain healthy.

I may switch to monthly posts for a while. With yardwork and other projects around the house, my writing time is going to be a bit limited. Remember that you can always check out Fans of James on Facebook for any updates on James or random pictures that Stacy sometimes throws up there.

 

Stroke Awareness Month

Image Copyright: Pediatric Stroke Warriors

 

If you’ve been following James from the beginning, you are probably aware that James had a stroke in utero. We didn’t know about it until after he was born, and we certainly didn’t know that a stroke can happen at any age, even before birth.

May is both Stroke Awareness Month and Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month. Because James is a pediatric stroke survivor, Stacy is having a monthlong fundraiser, where 20% of sales through her online party will be donated to Pediatric Stroke Warriors. Please be sure to check out their website to find out more about pediatric stroke. Here is the link for Stacy’s party:

https://www.mythirtyone.com/us/en/627441/shop/Party/EventDetail/10631316

And here is a pic of James when he was younger telling the world what he thinks of his stroke:

 

“My Stroke Can Kiss My Ass”

 

School

A couple of weeks ago they had a Fun Fair at James’ school. He played lots of games, and a balloon artist made him a dog that we’ve named Clifford.

 

Bucket toss

 

Stoplight toss

 

Ring toss

 

Basketball

 

Clifford the dog that the balloon artist made

 

Bag toss into the toilet

 

Frog toss

 

James is in an after school club and as an Arbor Day project they helped plant a tree at a local hotel.

Arbor Day tree planting

 

Arbor Day tree planting

 

Arbor Day tree planting

 

Epilepsy Foundation Greater Chicago 5K

This past Saturday we participated in the Epilepsy Foundation Greater Chicago 5K. No, we did not run; we walked. The weather was just about perfect…sunny and in the 70s.

 

At the Starting Line

 

Here we go!

 

1 mile completed

 

There are tanks in the park

 

“Because of your support, the Seizure Smart Diet Program was launched to educate adults and parents of children with epilepsy on the impact a healthy diet can have on a person living with the disorder.”

 

“Because of your support, our free clinic provided expert neurological care to children and adults living with epilepsy, and veterans and caregivers received epilepsy support services related to post traumatic brain injury.”

 

“Because of your support, children and teens with epilepsy were able to take advantage of recreational opportunities – such as Camp Blackhawk – with other youths who have epilepsy.”

 

“Because of your support, first responders received training on proper seizure recognition and response.”

 

Tanks!

 

Tank

 

“Because of your support, people with epilepsy received personalized epilepsy information and one-on-one case management.”

 

“Because of your support, adults with epilepsy and parents of children with epilepsy were provided with local support and resource-sharing opportunities.”

 

3 miles done. Almost to the Finish Line!

 

We did it!

 

James will overcome!

 

Enjoying the moment at home with the family after a long walk for a good cause

 

Public Service Announcement

Stacy came across the infographic below and I thought it was worth a share. Please don’t misuse handicapped parking spots. They are there for a reason.