What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Each year in the United States alone, medical treatment is sought for an estimated 1,400-1,600 babies who have been shaken. Don’t let your child become just another statistic! Tell everyone who cares for your child “Never shake a baby!”

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

Just wanted to take a moment and wish you all a very Happy and Safe New Year! From all of us here at the Shaken Baby Syndrome Support Network! <3


Thursday, December 17, 2009

A Christmas Miracle~Bryan's Story

During this time of year there is a flurry activity out there. If everyone could take a moment and sit down to reflect the many blessings we recieve each and everyday. Certainly someone is struggling today, but to hear such an amazing story, the story of Bryan and his near death, how he fought and won against all odds, is certainly worth celebrating, and in my book, is considered a beautiful Christmas Miracle.

Thank you Randee for sharing your child's story with us, what an amazing little boy you have!
~Angela
On December 14, 2008 I got a call from my ex-husband saying that our son had fallen off the bunk bed while with a sitter and was being rushed to the hospital, unconscious. Once I got there the staff informed us that he was suffering from Shaken Baby Syndrome. He had a subdural hematoma and severe Retinal hemorrhages. He was taken into emergency surgery where they drained the hematoma and removed a 7x7 piece of his skull to allow his brain room to swell. He was on a ventilator and was fighting for his life. The doctors told us he would more than likely die before the next day.
Many prayers went up that night, and we were given our Christmas Miracle.

Bryan made it through this horrible tragedy, caused by another human being and was walking(with help)around the PICU on Christmas Day 2008! This year as I watch everyone rushing around for whatever Christmas Shopping they have left to do, it seems as if they have forgotten the meaning of this celebration. God is Great! We should be so very thankful for the family and friends we all have and thank the good Lord for all the miracles he gives us every day. As I type this Bryan is counting snowflake ornaments on the Christmas tree with his brothers and smiling, laughing and loving, things that medically he should not be doing. After sustaining a brain injury as severe as he did, he medically should be dead, God truly gave me a Christmas miracle and continues to give as everyday passes and Bryan does more and more.
Merry Christmas,
Randee (Bryans Mommy)

Monday, December 14, 2009

Miracles


Last night our family attended a Christmas gathering at a friend’s home. It was a small party for dinner, and we brought our children along. Leaving our home to go anywhere with the kids is no small task- we have a 17-month-old son and our daughter, almost 5, has many special needs due to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Any outing takes careful planning and packing- plenty of toys, food, and Riley’s special seating and equipment. As we were preparing to leave, Riley had one of her little “meltdowns”…we have no idea why, but when she does this it is always stressful for us all, as she cannot communicate at this time what is bothering her, or why she is so upset. But, we plugged away, put the children in the car and left. As we drove to the Sypniewski’s home, we hoped for the best, Riley calmed herself and we all went on to have a great evening…

I encountered inspiration for my blog last night. As I sat among friends and enjoyed the evening, I watched Riley and remembered how far she has come in such a short time. I remember trying to coax her to open her mouth to take food, and last night she enjoyed plenty of dinner and dessert. I remember car rides to therapy when she would scream from start to finish…now the car rides seem to calm her. I remember her need to be held at all times, and only by mommy, but now she comfortably sits in her seat and “socializes” with everyone, full of smiles. Two-years ago we could have never dreamed of a night like this, but here we were…

In this, the Christmas season, I think that it is appropriate to write about miracles and hope. I believe that miracles exist, and I fully believe that my own daughter is living proof. She was not expected to pull through her attack, but she did just that. Riley has gone on to defy the odds, and through perseverance is still working toward recovery 2-1/2 years later. We have never given up hope that she will continue to progress. She makes strides, slowly, and even though she encounters some setbacks along the way, we embrace each day we have with her, both the good and bad, and continue to move forward…

Being the parent of an SBS survivor can be very hectic. Days are filled with highs and lows, and life is always unpredictable. Aside from dealing with your effected child, and the other “normalcies” of life, there are numerous appointments, therapies, paperwork, and professionals to manage. But, at the end of the day, all the craziness is worth it because you are the parent of a miracle. You have not only been given this gift once, but again when your child became a SBS survivor…a true miracle!!!

Lots of Love and Merry Christmas,

Lisa