Purple for pediatric strokes

May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month.

According to the American Stroke Association, between 20-40 percent of children die after a stroke. About 3,000 U.S. children and young adults suffered strokes in 2004.

"I had no idea pediatric stroke even existed until the moment a neurologist told me my 2-month-old son had suffered a stroke," said Jamie Jonz, of Hayden. "I felt completely alone and lost. People need to know that kids do have strokes. And it is much more common than anyone thinks. The results of a stroke in a child can be lifelong. Early detection and diagnosis is key. I never want a parent to feel how I felt that day. That is why awareness is so important."

Jonz has partnered with the nonprofit Pediatric Stroke Warriors, an organization that works with local families affected by pediatric stroke. On April 26 she accepted a proclamation from the Hayden mayor and city council naming May as Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month.

She said the Coeur d'Alene School District will recognize Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month with a "purple day" May 20.

"Another thing that I recently have started sharing with groups in my efforts to raise awareness is the story of a little boy named Noah in Washington who was diagnosed with a concussion and sent home," Jonz said. "Several days later, he returned to the hospital and subsequently died of what was a stroke. He was completely misdiagnosed because even healthcare providers did not understand the signs of stroke in a child. A lot about him and just how fortunate we were that Aidan's stroke was diagnosed early and we were able to not only get him the medical care he needed, but also early interventions to help with his developmental milestones."

For information about pediatric stroke and how you can get involved, contact Jonz at 704-4107.