NEED TO KNOW
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Lexi Frederick, 16, experienced a stroke at just 6 weeks old and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
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Following her diagnosis, she became involved in pageants, using her platform to advocate for awareness around pediatric strokes and disabilities.
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According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, pediatric strokes occur in 1 in every 4,000 newborns and around 2,000 older children every year.
An Iowa teenager is on a mission to raise awareness about pediatric strokes, reflecting on her journey more than ten years after her own health crisis.
Lexi Frederick encountered a stroke when she was merely 6 weeks old. The doctors, even now, are uncertain about what caused it, but the outcome included diagnoses of cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as reported.
Everyday tasks, like tying her shoes, can be a challenge for her, largely due to stiffness on the right side of her body.
“Sometimes, it feels like I don’t measure up to others because of my challenges, but I figure out how to adapt,” she shared.
Despite these limitations, Lexi thrives on stage. She enjoys participating in pageants and delivering motivational talks. Realizing her passion for pageants could be more than just a hobby, she transformed it into a vehicle for encouraging others with disabilities and raising awareness about pediatric strokes.
“I aim to make the world a better place for everyone, irrespective of their background or the challenges they face,” she expressed. “Even a small gesture, like a smile, can make a significant impact.”
Her advocacy has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the nine finalists for the National Stroke Association’s Stroke Hero Award, with the winner to be announced on May 1.
Lexi’s mantra is simple yet profound: “Kids can have strokes too.” She aspires for everyone to understand pediatric strokes so that they can offer support and encouragement rather than avoidance.
According to her mother, Kelli, Lexi has gone through various highs and lows since her stroke, but her positive spirit has brought joy and learning to those around her.
“Lexi embodies hope and inspiration, advocating for pediatric stroke awareness and evolving into a beacon of positivity,” Kelli said. “She’s a person who isn’t afraid to pursue her passions and uplift others.”
Pediatric strokes are described as a rare occurrence, happening to 1 in 4,000 newborns and around 2,000 older children annually.
Typically, newborns suffering a stroke may experience seizures, extreme sleepiness, or one-sided weakness. Causes can range from congenital heart defects to blood vessel irregularities and sickle cell disease.
PEOPLE reached out to Lexi’s family for comment.
