Sometimes life’s biggest lessons come from the smallest teachers. And 11-year-old Aidan Campbell could teach us all a thing or two about determination and not sweating the small stuff! With the sunniest of dispositions and excellent comedic timing, it’s impressive what this jokester has already overcome in this lifetime.
It may be shocking to learn that babies can have strokes – sometimes before they’re even born. That’s exactly how the Campbells felt when they discovered their new baby had suffered a stroke, either in utero or at birth. And when Aidan had his first seizure at just 18 hours old, his parents became worried what his future might hold.
Aidan has been cared for at the Alberta Children’s Hospital his whole life and today, with considerable help from his doctors, therapists and his teachers at school, Aidan has made great progress with his speech and fine motor skills.
Aidan participated in ground-breaking research at the hospital where he attended a day camp for two weeks to undergo innovative therapies as a way to improve movement in the side of his body affected by the stroke. The improvement in Aidan’s mobility was incredible and so was the boost to his confidence!
Today, Aidan is even more encouraged. Already a big of fan of playing soccer, football, hockey and skateboarding, Aidan amazed his family by surfing like a pro on their last trip to Maui!