Will: A Stroke Sidelines an Eight-Year-Old

In the summer of 2011, healthy and active eight-year-old Will suffered an unexpected brain hemorrhage and stroke. This tragic event was caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a congenital condition which his family was unaware he had.

After immediately being rushed to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Will underwent an emergency craniotomy to remove part of his skull, which would help relieve the pressure on his brain from the swelling. Doctors then placed him into a medically induced coma for two weeks to give him the best chance of survival by allowing his young body to heal.

When he woke, he was temporarily blind and paralyzed and would face a long road to recovery beginning with the Inpatient Rehabilitation Program at Children’s. Will spent seven weeks with his family in the unit, relearning how to walk, tie his shoes and do other daily activities most kids take for granted. In September 2011, he had one last surgery to remove what was left of the AVM, and later scans revealed he was no longer at risk of bleeding.

Will is back at school full time, playing basketball and working hard while balancing 10 therapy sessions each week. He is also continuing to make progress regaining the use of his left side as well as the cognitive functions he lost due to the hemorrhage. This 14-year-old is full of fire, has a determined spirit to persevere in the face of his medical challenges and is an inspiration to his friends, family and community.

Contact Ward Sullivan at 404-785-9809 or ward.sullivan@choa.org to learn how you can help more kids like Will receive the specialized care they need by including a gift to Children’s in your will or other estate plan.