A CHILD’S JOURNEY THROUGH STROKE
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When someone experiences a stroke, it’s devastating for them and those close to them. But when it happens to a child, it’s heartbreaking. Sanu and Shoga didn’t realise that a child could experience a stroke until it happened to their daughter, Vyga, when she was just six years old. Doctors warned that Vyga might not make it, but with the support of her family and the Stroke Foundation, Vyga has made an incredible recovery.
The twins were taken to the doctors and given antibiotics, but Vyga’s parents noticed that she wasn’t making the same improvements as her twin sister. The following morning, Vyga’s mother noticed that she was weak and her eyes were rolling – an ambulance was called immediately.
Doctors discovered that Vyga had experienced a stroke which was caused by a bacterial infection.
Four days later, Sanu and Shoga were told that Vyga had a serial bleed and that part of her skull would have to be removed to relieve some of the pressure.
Doctors warned the family that there was a high possibility Vyga wouldn’t make it, or at the very least she would be left brain dead, not once, but three times. Vyga was in the ICU for more than 40 days, but thankfully the operations were successful and the bleeding subsided.
“We’re from South India with no family here in New Zealand to support us. But my wife, daughter and I stayed by Vyga’s side every day. My wife was in hospital with her for five months. We were in hospital over Christmas and Vyga was only discharged in January; it was a tough time for the whole family,” Vyga’s father, Sanu explained.
After multiple surgeries, different treatments, and months in hospital, Vyga started to show signs of improvement. Vyga and her family were soon introduced to the Stroke Foundation team, who provided an abundance of support. This is vital in the early stages of recovery, as many people are unsure where to seek help and advice, especially those with no family members nearby.
Because of the incredible ongoing support of our donors, the Stroke Foundation has been part of Vyga and her family’s lives for the past four years. We’ve provided the family with crucial information about stroke, stroke recovery and how stroke can impact a child. We’ve also helped the family secure funding for Vyga to attend supplementary maths and English lessons.
“Vyga needs this extra support as she is far behind on the national school level. After her surgery, Vyga was not able to recognise colours or say a word, but she’s made some significant improvements over the last few years. We want to thank the Stroke Foundation donors for making this possible.” Sanu shared.
Vyga’s twin, Nyga, was a huge support to her and just one of the reasons she has made it this far. In solidarity, Nyga even shaved her head each time her twin underwent surgery. Nyga recorded a song for her sister and the video was shared far and wide on social media. The family have since had the opportunity to talk about their experience and raise awareness about stroke across a number of outlets, including a popular weekly television talk show in India.
Vyga had a major stroke at a very young age, and her family understands that there is still a long journey ahead. Vyga will soon undergo surgery again as her skull is calcifying. But the family are thankful to have one another and the support of the Stroke Foundation, and supporters like you, to help along every step of the way.
ONE PERSON EXPERIENCES A STROKE EVERY 45 MINUTES IN NEW ZEALAND. YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR APPEALS ENABLES US TO BE THERE FOR STROKE SURVIVORS OF ANY AGE WHEN THEY NEED US MOST.