Jabez is a very active 11-year-old who has loved to play basketball and soccer since he was 4 years old. He is a very outgoing, kind, selfless, caring, loving and funny boy. When you meet him, he immediately makes you feel welcomed like you fit right in, and amazing friendships have generated from the many encounters.
On 7/6/2023 @ 2:00 AM Jabez’s life and our lives changed almost taking his life away. He was rushed to the ER @ RWJ in New Brunswick, NJ with what turned out to be a ruptured AVM causing a stroke and losing his left side mobility. Jabez had his 1st surgery that morning to remove a partial part of his skull to relieve pressure off the brain from the ruptured blood vessel. After a couple of hours, doctors tried to stop the bleeding with a procedure called an angiogram. A CT scan later revealed that the bleeding continued so the next morning he was scheduled to have his 2nd surgery to remove the complicated AVM. Meanwhile, we had no idea how Jabez was affected because he was heavily sedated, intubated, attached with many IV’s, a feeding tube, a foley catheter and all the doctors were trying to do, was to save his life.
As parents it hurt so much to see our littlest one lying there and going through it all and we were feeling so helpless but kept praying. The 2nd surgery was a success, and the AVM was removed, a miracle prayer we so longed for, was answered. He stayed in the PICU for 5 days and finally woke up on the 4th day from when “it” all started. As Jabez was waking up, he was in a lot of pain. This is when we sadly found out what the AVM caused; He couldn’t move his left hand and left leg. That afternoon he was extubated, and we also found out the stroke affected his speech. We spent the next 2.5 weeks trying to recover and start with PT, OT, Music, and some speech therapies. Jabez had such a hard time here. He was limited to stimulation so we couldn’t have many visitors at this point.
We finally headed over to the Children’s Specialized Inpatient Hospital. When he first arrived, it was very hard watching him struggle to even try to sit up. There were nights I cried and prayed so hard to help him and give him the strength to face the many challenges that he was facing. He was determined to walk out of the Children’s Specialized Inpatient Hospital. Jabez was given a customized wheelchair, as days and weeks, months passed, he was regaining movement on his left leg with the help of an AFO and a sling for his Left shoulder along with a hand splint. Jabez was nicknamed Trooper. We had the love and support of many families, friends, and teachers. He saw how much everyone loved and cared for him and inspired him to keep going. When he was discharged on 9/20/23 his goal of walking (with the assistance of a cane) out during his clap out was accomplished because of his determination and all the inpatient hospital staff.
After coming home, he was home instructed, outpatient therapies continued, and his 3rd surgery (Cranioplasty) took place. Finally in January of 2024 he was able to go back to school in person part-time. Socialization was needed to keep him motivated to continue with his recovery. You can immediately tell the difference in his personality because that sparkle in his eye’s illuminated, he socializes more and through his smiles everyone compliments his beautiful dimples. Never take for granted the time with your loved ones is what came out of this experience for our family. Jabez has a long way to recovery, but he didn’t earn his nickname “Trooper” for no reason. Milestone after milestone he has proven to overcome what he needs to accomplish. So proud of Jabez! We are genuinely honored to have been selected by The Shannon Daley Memorial Fund. We are Blessed to add your love and support in Jabez’s Recovery Journey.