My name is Alesia, and I'd like to tell you a bit about why I started Parents for Parents support group. I am the parent of a wonderful loving boy named Joshua, who had a traumatic brain injury do to a mistake made by his pediatric surgeon at birth. Due to this occurrence, at the age of 5 he was diagnosed and placed in a school for children with Autism.
Joshua loved music, trains, dancing and drawing. He played the piano by ear at the age of 6, Bach being his favorite type of music to play. As Joshua grew up, he was so kind and wouldn't even kill a bug. At school he was called the exterminator, not because he killed the bugs in the classroom, but he had his own way of getting rid of them and that was setting them free. Joshua had a heart of gold. He helped his friends in class that had trouble coping with the day and Joshua was loved by all.
When Joshua was 7 years old, he was diagnosed with frontal lobe seizures. But that didn't stop him for Joshua continued through school, graduated with high honors and went on to post secondary school. Although Joshua would never be able to stay alone, he loved school, his friends and wanted to continue going.
On January 3, 2018 Joshua passed away from what they feel was a seizure, because he was very healthy otherwise. It has been a very hard road for me and it always will, but I must continue to fulfill the journey I began when Joshua was here, and that is fighting for the rights of children with disabilities. Joshua may not be here in the flesh, but he will always be in my heart and soul!
This group was formed to bring parents together for support and resources. All of our children and situations are not alike, but the support and information that we can share with one another can be very vital to our readers. If we don't have the answer at the time it is asked, I will make sure to find it! This is my dream to help those learn how to fight for the rights of their children in school or where ever it may be. Families all over the world are welcome to join and share their journey, ask for information, or just talk if they need a shoulder. Parents For Parents is a judgement free zone and we are here for you! Thank you for reading and I hope to see your stories soon!