​Washington two year old stroke survivor receives regional recognition

Two year old stroke survivor, Emma Rose Willis, from Washington has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association.

Emma had a stroke in September 2012 on the day she was born, when she was just hours old. At first it was thought she had hiccups, but it turned out that the tiny body jerks were actually seizures. She was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she stayed for four days while she underwent extensive tests. Two weeks later, the family were told she had had a stroke and advised they we wouldn’t know the effects for some time.

Emma’s parents made sure to encourage movement in her right side as much as possible, but by the time she was three months old, noticed movement on her right was somewhat limited by comparison. Emma received physiotherapy until she eventually began walking in March 2014 at 18 months old.

Emma’s mother Louise Plant nominated her for the Children and Young People’s Courage Award, in recognition of her determination and bravery.

She said: “Every milestone Emma has reached has been hugely celebrated as there has been so much uncertainty around how she would develop. When Emma was nine months old she had another seizure, which was terrifying as we were convinced it was another stroke, however it turned out it was a side effect of a virus. Another seizure five months later led doctors to diagnose her with Focal Epilepsy as a result of her stroke. Emma still suffers from short term right sided paralysis after some seizures, and recovery from her longer seizures leaves her exhausted for sometimes a week afterwards.”

Louise continues: “Emma is a beautiful, spirited, determined, funny little girl and full of life. She’s a real character, with her cheeky smile and constant chatter. Her ability to capture hearts led me to take part in the Stroke Association’s Shocktober Zipslide in 2014, and via a just giving page sharing her story, we raised over £2,500. Emma is a determined little girl and I have no doubt that if she wasn’t so determined, she wouldn’t be where she is now. She’s our little miracle!

“In April last year Emma’s baby brother Zach was born and at 15 months old he completely idolises her. After everything she’s been through in her short life, she’s an inspiration, to us her parents, her baby brother and almost certainly to anyone who has ever had a stroke.”

Louise and Emma received her Highly Commended certificate from BBC Look North presenter, Paul Mooney, at a celebratory event at the Marriott Hotel in Gateshead on Wednesday 15 July.

Peter Moore, Regional Head of Operations for the Stroke Association in the North East, continued: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the North East were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.