Brendon’s Smile… is a not for profit organization whose core purpose is to raise awareness for Childhood (Pediatric) Stroke, to inform readers of the signs/symptoms of stroke in infants and children, to educate caregivers about advocating for child SURVIVORS of stroke, and to share resources which support the young victims of stroke.

Our son Brendon was born a SURVIVOR and we are so blessed to have him in our lives.

Three days shy of Brendon turning 19 months of age he was diagnosed as having suffered a stroke while in utero (womb). As a result of the stroke he has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Right Hemi-paresis, Muscular Scoliosis, and Speech Apraxia. Brendon currently wears braces on both feet and a splint on his right hand. At the age of two years Brendon was barely able to say a few words. He currently struggles with his inability to articulate what he is thinking and gets very frustrated with himself. He tries with everything he has to tell the people he loves what is on his mind. Brendon has a gorgeous smile and spirit that you can see by looking into his eyes. Through all of his frustration he manages to keep on smiling. Ask any one who knows him…he lights up a room. His spirit keeps us going!!

It is important for every parent to know that doctors may not recognize the signs/symptoms of stroke in children. Brendon should have been diagnosed much earlier than nineteen months of age. As a new mother, Jessica was told she was overly “paranoid.” Due to lack of a diagnosis by several doctors and specialists Brendon was denied the treatment he so badly needed and so much deserves.

In the days and weeks to come, this website will be a host for information regarding the Childhood Stroke phenomena, stories of other SURVIVORS from around our country and the world, and provide resources for families and friends of Childhood Stroke SURVIVORS as we learn about them (we often try them ourselves first)..

We are currently in contact with a number of medical professionals who are actively working in the field of Childhood Stroke including physicians and therapists. It is our intent to provide these medical professionals a venue to provide current information regarding Childhood Stroke.

Finally, we will share Brendon’s Story in hopes that it serves as a vehicle to promote awareness, research, and a commitment to develop resources for our children, these Childhood Stroke SURVIVORS.

You are invited to share Brendon’s journey with us.

 You may contact us, Stephen and Jessica Spear (creators of Brendon’s Smile…) at: brendonssmile@yahoo.com. 

To see Brendon’s blog, click here:  www.caringbridge.org/visit/brendonssmile.

 We welcome your thoughts regarding our website and appreciate your feedback.  We want to know that we are helping other children, who have become victim of stroke, and their caregivers.

Thank you 

Stephen and Jessica Spear