This shouldn't have happened to a little girl, because strokes affect adults – this is what many of us believe. Zuzia was only 8 years old when she suffered a stroke and – as it turns out – after the pandemic, she is no exception. Now, however, the girl needs support to return to her former life.
The life of Zuzia and her mother changed dramatically a few days before the girl's eighth birthday. – Suddenly my world collapsed. We celebrated her birthday in the hospital – recalls Mrs. Karolina Filipczyk, Zuzia's mother.
Although it may seem that this only applies to adults, Zuzia also suffered a stroke. The girl lost consciousness at school during a physical education lesson.
– When the teacher did the assembly, Zuzia fell. We were terrified, the children panicked. When she regained contact, she was also very scared – reports Bożena Głąbek, principal of Primary School No. 4 in Czechowice-Dziedzice. – The left part of the body was completely paralyzed, i.e. Zuzia could not move her arm or leg – says Karolina Filipczyk, Zuzia's mother.
On October 29, we celebrate World Stroke Day. What are the early symptoms of this disease?Dominika Ziółkowska/Fakty TVN
Stroke is a possible complication after COVID-19
How is it possible that such a young person had a stroke? After performing a series of tests, the answer emerged. – It was most likely a consequence of the girl's COVID-19 infection – says Jerzy Pietruszewski, MD, head of the Department of Pediatrics and Developmental Neurology of the Upper Silesian Children's Health Center in Katowice.
– The frequency of strokes in children has increased after Covid – informs prof. Magdalena Chrościńska-Krawczyk, head of the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of the University Children's Hospital in Lublin.
Before the pandemic, one child with a stroke appeared in Professor Chrościńska-Krawczyk's clinic every two years. Ten such children have been treated over the last three years. – They suffered from Covid, not necessarily in a severe way – adds Professor Chrościńska-Krawczyk.
His hands, arms, back and chest were damaged. 9-year-old Olek needs helpMarek Nowicki/Fakty TVN
How can you help Zuzia?
Zuzia returned to school after two months. However, after the stroke, he has major problems with mathematics. The girl's day is filled not only with lessons, but also with rehabilitation. She exercises four times a week, also privately, but she should do it more often. – Depending on how Zuzia grows, this equipment needs to be replaced – says Ms. Alicja Przybyła, a physiotherapist.
Hand and leg braces are also important to her. One orthosis – as Mrs. Alicja says – costs from several to several dozen thousand zlotys. The TVN Foundation collects money for Zuzia.
Mrs. Karolina and her daughter have already been through a lot. Six years ago, Zuzia's father was riding a bicycle on the path. He was hit by a bus. The man died on the spot.
Help Zuzia and other beneficiaries of the TVN Foundation. Getting involved in the campaign is simple – just send an SMS (message to 7356 with the text HELP – PLN 3.69 including VAT). Other forms of support are indicated on the Foundation's website.
Main photo source: Attention! TVN