Little Caleb wasn't even born yet when he experienced his first big challenge in life; he had multiple strokes while inside the womb. It's a fact that still surprises his mother, Beck, to this day.
"It was a big shock to the system, and not something I thought could ever happen. I was a complete mess."
Doctors knew something was wrong when, at one day old, Caleb was having seizures. An MRI scan confirmed the newborn had experienced multiple strokes while in utero.
Caleb spent a month at the Royal Children's Hospital having tests. Doctors believe a clot from the placenta travelled through the umbilical cord to his heart and then up to his brain.
"My next thought was what do we need to do to give him the best life possible," Beck remembers.
Seven years after his strokes Caleb lives with physical and learning challenges but they haven't stopped him. Caleb started mainstream school, and has a passion for athletics, with the aim of competing at higher levels.
Beck and Caleb are sharing their story as part of Childhood Stroke Awareness Week (March 3-9), to shine a light on strokes experienced by children.
Every year in Australia, around 120 babies and 400 children will have a stroke and, importantly, childhood stroke is among the top ten causes of death in children.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says it's important for families to know the signs and that stroke can strike at any age.
"Stroke doesn't discriminate affecting people of all ages, including the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community. The best thing parents and health professionals can do is be aware and learn to recognise the symptoms and signs of stroke."
"Stroke presents itself in many different ways in children, but symptoms can include seizures and extreme sleepiness (in babies), and, in older children, weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty talking or swallowing, dizziness, and severe or unusual headache."
In its inaugural year, Childhood Stroke Awareness Week also celebrates the achievements of Australia's youngest and toughest survivors of stroke.
"Stroke in children is life-changing. Early recognition and action make all the difference in improving chances of recovery and reducing its impact. With the right care and support, children who experience a stroke can keep learning, growing and thriving. By coming together, we can improve recognition, treatment and support for children affected by stroke and their families," Dr Murphy said.
