Our Story

Learn about Alex's journey and how you can help

Alex's journey to recovery began when he suffered a stroke that changed his life.
With the support of his family and medical team, Alex is working hard to regain his independence
through physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Every donation brings Alex one step closer to full recovery. Your support helps cover:
- Physical therapy sessions
- Medical equipment and aids
- Specialized treatments
- Transportation to medical appointments

Together, we can help Alex rebuild his life and return to the activities he loves.

Medical Journey

First Symptoms May 11, 2021

Alex was an ordinary 12-year-old boy who had just celebrated his birthday in April. On May 11th, he woke up feeling tired and sleepy. After breakfast, he went to watch YouTube videos but fell asleep at his desk. When mom woke him up, he had double vision and everything seemed to be shaking.

Hospital and First Tests May 11-13, 2021

Mom tested Alex for stroke symptoms - he could smile evenly, touch his nose with his fingers, and didn't confuse words, but he was lethargic. They went to the local hospital where neurologists suspected a stroke and recommended staying for observation.

Transfer to Specialized Hospital May 13-15, 2021

Two days of stroke therapy had no effect, so Alex was transferred to a hospital in another city. There he underwent extensive examinations including blood tests and MRI. Doctors found damaged myelin in his brain and diagnosed ADEM (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis).

Seizure and Coma May 16, 2021

Doctors started hormone therapy, but the next day after beginning treatment, Alex had a seizure and fell into a coma. This marked the beginning of 4 weeks in an unconscious state, changing the family's life forever.

Awakening with Locked-in Syndrome June 2021

When Alex woke up, he couldn't move a finger literally. His eyes could only move up and down, unable to look right or left. When doctors tested his eye movements and he couldn't follow their fingers, they decided he was in a vegetative state and sent him home with palliative care.

First Private Neurologist Summer 2021

Parents took Alex to a private neurologist who immediately recognized that Alex was conscious and aware, just unable to communicate normally. This was the first step toward understanding his true condition and beginning proper rehabilitation.

First Rehabilitation Attempts Late 2021

The family began searching for rehabilitation options and started the long journey of trying different therapies, exercises, and treatments. They learned that good rehabilitation is never free and requires significant financial investment.

Three Sisters Rehabilitation Center Winter 2022-2023

Alex received rehabilitation at the Three Sisters center where he worked with physical therapists who had a great sense of humor. They managed to combine intense training with jokes and kept Alex entertained during sessions. There he jokingly agreed to "flex his muscles" with toy dumbbells.

Depression and Anger Stage Mid 2022

After about 6 months of treatments, Alex entered the anger stage of grief. He could spend whole days crying, refused to do exercises, and asked to be "thrown away" or pushed into the road. Depression was the darkest time since Alex got ill, but it was part of the grieving process.

Immigration to Canada October 2023

The family immigrated to Canada, starting a completely new life. New school for the girls, new home, new work history from scratch. They believed this would also be the beginning of a new stage of recovery for Alex, though good rehabilitation remained expensive.

Alex Starts Canadian School January 2025

Alex started attending school in Canada. He is accompanied by a nurse who helps with his care throughout the day. Despite his physical limitations, Alex wanted to return to school and the family decided to try this new chapter in his education.

Brain-Computer Interface Trial January 2025

Alex tried a new device that reads brain wave activity like an EEG and can be programmed to execute computer commands. This was the first device that worked for him from the first try - Alex was able to play a computer game using only his thoughts.

Alex Turns 16 April 9, 2025

Alex celebrated his 16th birthday at home with family (the price of immigration - all grandparents are far away). The girls helped Alex blow out the candles on his birthday cake, and Alex even tried a bit of cake himself despite his swallowing difficulties.

Progress in Head Control Winter 2025

After three years of continuous training, Alex began to show improvement in head control. While his head still falls, he can now catch his balance in a collar and hold it for about 5 minutes - a year ago they were counting to 10 and that was a record.

Four Years Anniversary - Never Give Up May 15, 2025

Exactly 4 years since their life was divided into BEFORE and AFTER. Four full years of fighting for Alex, four years of hope mixed with thoughts of despair. The family continues their journey, learning to live with this new reality while never giving up hope for recovery.

Treatment Goals

Physical Recovery

Regain strength, mobility, and coordination through targeted physical therapy and exercises.

Speech Therapy

Improve communication skills and speech clarity through specialized therapy sessions.

Cognitive Recovery

Restore cognitive functions through mental exercises and occupational therapy.

Independent Living

Work towards independence in daily activities and quality of life improvement.

What People Say

Sarah Johnson

Dr. Michael Brown

Lisa Chen

Medical Team

Dr. Sarah Johnson

Neurologist

Leading specialist in stroke rehabilitation with 15+ years experience.

Mike Thompson

Physical Therapist

Specialized in post-stroke physical rehabilitation and mobility recovery.

Lisa Chen

Speech Therapist

Expert in speech and language recovery for stroke patients.

Help Alex on His Journey

Your donation directly supports Alex's rehabilitation and brings hope to his family.

Make a Donation