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

A pediatric stroke awareness poster features a large purple ribbon beside bold text marking May 2018 as Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month. Additional text highlights that strokes occur in roughly 1 out of every 2,000 births and stresses the importance of parents, birthing centers, and pediatricians recognizing early signs and seeking neurologist care. The overall design is clean and informational, centered on education and advocacy.
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:

 

James lying on a soft surface with a quilted monkey‑pattern mat underneath, wearing a light blue shirt that reads “My Stroke Can Kiss My Ass” in bold black and white text. The scene captures pediatric stroke awareness, family resilience, and a strong message of determination expressed through adaptive infant clothing.
“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.

 

In a classroom, James sits in his wheelchair wearing a red shirt and a supportive neck cushion and participates in an activity with help from Stacy who is guiding his arm. On the floor in front of them, a row of large red Folgers coffee cans is lined up along a strip of white tape, forming part of a hands‑on game or exercise. Other people stand nearby watching. The room includes labeled areas, shelves of materials, and colorful classroom decorations, giving the scene an inclusive, active learning atmosphere.
Bucket toss

 

In a classroom, James sits in his wheelchair wearing a red shirt and a colorful scarf and is positioned beside a blue game board with three circular openings filled with bean bags. Stacy stands next to him, assisting with the activity. In the background, two other people interact with an orange game station that has pegs. The room is decorated with an alphabet “WORD WALL,” bookshelves, and desks, creating an inclusive, lively classroom environment where students of different abilities participate together.
Stoplight toss

 

In a classroom, James sits in a wheelchair while Stacy assists him at a colorful activity table. Stacy helps James toss small red rings, trying to get them to land around vertical rods on the table. Desks, chairs, posters, and storage bins fill the background, creating a warm, inclusive classroom environment where adaptive support helps James engage fully.
Ring toss

 

In a classroom, James sits in a wheelchair wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, and supportive padding around the neck and head participates in a small basketball activity. Stacy stands beside him, holding and guiding his hand as they aim toward a bright orange mini‑hoop with purple balls. Another adult nearby watches with a warm smile. Desks, posters, and classroom supplies fill the background, creating an inclusive, encouraging environment centered on participation and engagement.
Basketball

 

James sits in a wheelchair wearing a red shirt, and a blue‑and‑gray striped neck support cushion. He is holding a red balloon animal shaped like a dog, with a simple drawn‑on face. Behind him is a beige wall covered with papers that have handwritten notes and drawings, giving the space a school or hallway feel. The moment has a playful, creative energy centered on the bright balloon animal.
Clifford the dog that the balloon artist made

 

In a classroom, James sits in his wheelchair and holds a red balloon animal shaped like a dog on his lap. With the help of Stacy, he tosses bean bags toward a blue plastic bin that has a toilet seat attached to the top, part of a playful activity or game. A table beside them is covered with colorful small items like candy or toys. The background shows bright educational posters, charts with letters and pictures, and shelves of classroom supplies, creating a lively, inclusive environment where everyone is engaged.
Bag toss into the toilet

 

James in a wheelchair wearing a red shirt and blue jeans. Stacy assists him in throwing a small orange frog through a circular opening in a large cartoon‑frog backdrop. The scene takes place indoors and feels interactive and supportive, centered on shared participation.
Frog toss

 

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

A group of adults and children gather outside on a grassy area in front of a light‑colored building wall. A small newly planted tree stands behind them, suggesting a commemorative or community moment. James sits in a wheelchair at the front, while another child nearby holds a stone with writing on it. The group poses together for a photo, creating a warm, shared sense of occasion.

 

Outdoors on a grassy area, James sits in his wheelchair wearing a black jacket, a colorful neck pillow, and large dark glasses or headgear with a group of adults and children nearby. A man kneels beside a shovel and a small hole in the ground, suggesting the group is taking part in a planting or gardening activity. Trees and bushes fill the background, giving the scene a community‑event feel centered on teamwork and inclusion.
Arbor Day tree planting

 

Outdoors on a grassy area, a child in a red jacket and white pants uses a small shovel to place soil into a hole in the ground. A larger shovel stands upright nearby. Several children and adults gather around, watching and helping, including an adult wearing a dark jacket with the words “RESPECT IS GOLDEN.” Evergreen trees, bare deciduous trees, and parked cars fill the background, giving the scene the feel of a community or school tree‑planting activity focused on teamwork and participation.
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 an outdoor epilepsy‑awareness event, a crowd gathers near a stage decorated with repeating Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago logos. A person stands on the stage beside a large “START” banner, addressing participants. Many people in the crowd wear purple shirts, some pushing strollers or wheelchairs, creating an inclusive, family‑friendly atmosphere. Purple and white balloons frame the area, and fresh green trees suggest a springtime setting as the community comes together in support of the cause.
At the Starting Line

 

A large group of people walk together along a paved path on a sunny day, many wearing purple shirts and carrying matching drawstring bags. The path is bordered by bright green grass, and two flags — the U.S. flag and a white flag — stand near a green fence in the background. Leafless trees line the horizon, suggesting early spring. The scene feels like a community walk or awareness event, with participants moving together in a calm, unified flow.
Here we go!

 

A group of people walks along a paved path in a grassy park area. In the foreground, a white sign with bold purple text reads “MILE 1” with the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago logo beneath it. Farther down the path, additional yellow signs are posted, including one that says “NO PERSONAL VEHICLES BEYOND THIS POINT” and another marked “SCOUT PARKING.” Participants in purple shirts move together in the background, giving the scene the feel of a community walk focused on awareness and support.
1 mile completed

 

In a park‑like setting with tall trees and green grass, people walk along paved paths, some in small groups and others pushing strollers. Several large military tanks are displayed throughout the area, positioned among the trees like outdoor exhibits. The scene feels calm and open, blending natural surroundings with historical military vehicles as visitors move through the space.
There are tanks in the park

 

A sign stands on a grassy area beside a paved path, printed with the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago logo and a message about the Seizure Smart Diet Program. The text explains that community support helped launch an initiative to educate adults and parents of children with epilepsy about how healthy eating can influence life with the disorder. The sign sits alone near the walkway, offering information to participants moving through the event.
“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.”

 

Two informational signs stand on a grassy area beside a paved path. Both display the Epilepsy Foundation logo and messages beginning with “Because of your support…” The sign on the left highlights that their free clinic provided expert neurological care to children and adults living with epilepsy. The sign on the right explains that veterans and caregivers received epilepsy education and support services related to post‑traumatic brain injury. Orange cones and a person walking appear in the background, giving the scene the feel of an organized awareness event.
“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.”

 

A sign stands on a grassy patch dotted with yellow dandelions. It features the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago logo and a message beginning with “Because of your support…” The text explains that children and teens with epilepsy were able to participate in recreational opportunities, including programs like Camp Blackhawk, alongside other youths who also have epilepsy. The sign sits near a walkway, offering encouragement and context to participants moving through the event.
“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.”

 

A sign stands on a grassy area beside a chain‑link fence. It features the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago logo and a message beginning with “Because of your support…” The text explains that first responders received training in proper seizure recognition and response. The sign sits along the event route, offering participants a glimpse of the impact their involvement helps make possible.
“Because of your support, first responders received training on proper seizure recognition and response.”

 

People walk along a paved path in a park‑like setting, many wearing matching event shirts as part of a community walk. In the background, several large military tanks are displayed outdoors, including one painted bright yellow that stands out among the others. Trees with fresh spring foliage surround the area, and a few children play near the tanks, giving the scene a family‑friendly feel that blends outdoor recreation with historical exhibits.
Tanks!

 

In a grassy, tree‑filled park area, people walk along a paved path during what appears to be a community event. In the background, a large green military tank is displayed outdoors, marked with a yellow star, an American flag, and the number “U.S.A. W3044280.” One adult stands beside the tank while another helps a child climb onto it. In the foreground, a person pushes a stroller and wears a gray t-shirt. The scene blends family activity, outdoor movement, and historical displays.
Tank

 

A sign stands on a grassy area beside a paved path, printed with the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago logo. The message begins with “Because of your support…” and explains that people with epilepsy received personalized information and one‑on‑one case management. Walk participants move along the path nearby, giving the scene the feel of an organized awareness event where supporters can see the impact of their involvement.
“Because of your support, people with epilepsy received personalized epilepsy information and one-on-one case management.”

 

A sign stands on a grassy area beside a paved path, printed with the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago logo. The message begins with “Because of your support…” and explains that adults with epilepsy and parents of children with epilepsy were provided with local support and opportunities to share resources. The sign sits along the event route, offering participants a glimpse of the community impact their involvement helps make possible.
“Because of your support, adults with epilepsy and parents of children with epilepsy were provided with local support and resource-sharing opportunities.”

 

A sign sits in a grassy area next to a tree beside a paved path. The sign reads “MILE 3” in bold purple text with the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago logo beneath it. Three orange traffic cones line the edge of the path, marking the route. The scene feels calm and green, capturing a simple distance marker along a race course winding through a natural setting.
3 miles done. Almost to the Finish Line!

 

A large “FINISH” banner stretches across the top of the frame, the word printed in bold white letters on a purple background. Clusters of black, white, and purple balloons are arranged above it, giving the scene a celebratory feel. The sky is clear and blue, and a leafy green tree enters the corner of the image, framing the finish‑line moment in bright, calm weather.
We did it!

 

James sits in his stroller while two people hold a purple rectangular frame around him. The frame has bold white text that reads “I WILL OVERCOME.” James wears a purple event shirt featuring a tree design, and a small portable fan is clipped to the stroller for comfort. Behind him, people walk and gather in a sunny outdoor setting with recycling bins visible, giving the moment a warm, supportive feel within a larger community event.
James will overcome!

 

Stacy and James relax outdoors on a backyard patio. Stacy sits upright in a cushioned chair with a patterned pillow, smiling warmly, while James lies face‑down on a nearby swing bench, stretched out in a playful, exhausted pose. Both wear purple shirts, and water bottles along with a small electronic device and cords rest on the ground between them. Behind the patio, a fenced yard with green grass, trees, and neighboring houses creates a quiet, homey backdrop. White script text reading “Enjoy the moment” appears in the lower left corner, matching the calm, easygoing mood.
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.

 

An informational poster explains responsible parking around wheelchair‑accessible vehicle spaces. The layout uses a blue‑and‑white color scheme with bold headings, icons, and simple illustrations of parking spots, vehicles, and a wheelchair user. The top message encourages people to “spread the word” about proper parking. A diagram shows that one in six accessible spaces must be van‑accessible, followed by examples of incorrect and correct parking: an X marks a vehicle blocking the striped access zone, while a checkmark shows a car parked properly beside it. Additional text highlights that the striped area provides space for a wheelchair ramp to deploy. A facts section lists survey statistics about misuse of accessible parking spaces and misunderstandings about the striped zones. The bottom includes social media icons, the hashtag #savemyspot, and the BraunAbility logo.