Top left to right: Jay, Jaide, D'arcy
Front left to right: Sarah holding Oran, Caleb
Little Oran Hopwood suffered a massive stroke before birth. Doctors told his mother that most adults would have been permanently and completely paralyzed from the same degree of brain damage (about a quarter of his brain cells are gone). Fortunately, his young brain was able to compensate for the loss better than an adult's, and only his right side is affected.
"Oran has the sweetest heart-pulling smile you ever saw," says proud mother Sarah. "He can walk (even though he looks like he's had a night on the town), he has a leg support, and now he runs everywhere. He can talk a little and can sign all of his basic needs. He loves music and dances all day."
Sarah continues, "He is my heart, my delight, my inspiration. I feel he is a gift, especially after losing our daughter, Madison, who was born eleven weeks premature and died at thirteen hours of age from septicemia."
Sarah is training as a nurse largely because she feels a desire to give something back to the world and make a difference in others lives. Her experiences with her son will undoubtedly influence her ability to connect with her patients on a deeper level.
She says, "We had to demand an MRI for Oran, and then wait six months for it to be done. I feel the medical profession left a lot to be desired in getting a diagnosis for Oran."
"We now have a great baby doctor and a great physiotherapist who, in my opinion, was the start of Oran's road of achievement." She applauds her son's daily accomplishments, and sees him as a true fighter.
Sarah has three other kids, Caleb, Jaide and D'arcy, who adore and spoil Oran. She adds, "My life with my children is blessed. I would say to those who ask about our lives that you don't appreciate life until it has gone, or you think it may be taken. We live our lives how we wish and with those we love. We love and live everyday more than many will in a lifetime."
Written by Carolyn Murray
