March Child of the Month

ONE INNOCENT CHILD'S STORY

Julian was born a healthy and happy child on November 19, 2003. Two days before Christmas, on December 23rd 2004, at 13 months old, he was rushed to the hospital with seizure activity and was non-responsive. Julian was diagnosed with shaken impact, head trauma with a subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhaging. He was also strangled. He had black and blue marks on his back, forehead, neck and behind both ears. Julian was then transported to a children's hospital and was clinically dead on arrival. He died twice, went into cardiac arrest, and had an emergency crainotomy. He had a back head skull fracture and was scalped on his head the size of a 50 cent piece. He still has no hair there and has soft scar tissue forming on that injury. The doctors said he only had a 5% chance of survival and, if he did survive, he would be severely disabled. Julian was in the hospital from December through February and contracted MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and pneumonia. Once released, he was on seizure medicine for 3 months.

He suffers from mood swings, cries for no reason, has violent outbursts and behavioral issues. He has severe separation anxiety from his maternal grandparents who are his legal guardians. He continues to suffer from nightmares and headaches. He has slight hearing loss and cannot wink his left eye as a result of the retinal hemorrhaging. He has scar tissue forming on his brain and has to be watched for seizures. The effects from his abuse will continue to emerge as he ages.

Julian is 6 years old and a precious, handsome little boy and blessing. His world was turned up side down, with a great deal of physical and mental injury caused by the very person who was supposed to love and protect him his mother. The course of his life was irrevocably changed by a senseless act of violence all because he was crying.

Please remember to walk away. Call the 24 hour National Crisis Hotline for parents at 800-422-4453. Never, ever shake a baby. It changes their lives forever. The average lifetime cost of taking care of a disabled child is $1 million dollars.

If you would like to make a donation specifically towards Julian's care, please email us.