Four-Year-Old Girl Stricken by Stroke at Preschool, Virus Blamed
A four-year-old girl from Stowupland, Suffolk, has been left unable to speak or stand after suffering a devastating stroke while attending preschool. Isla Parrott became unwell on January 22 and was urgently rushed to hospital, where medical staff performed an MRI scan that confirmed the stroke.
Since the incident, Isla has been receiving intensive treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. She is currently on multiple medications to manage inflammation and reduce the risk of infection, as she battles through a challenging recovery process.
Dormant Chickenpox Virus Identified as Likely Cause
Medics discovered a dormant chickenpox virus in Isla's system, which they believe served as the underlying trigger for the stroke. This virus is known to be associated with paediatric vasculopathy, a group of disorders that affect blood vessels and can lead to strokes in children.
Isla's parents, Kitty-Mae King and Dan Parrott, along with other family members, have been left in total disbelief by the diagnosis. Her aunt, Maddie King, 28, expressed the family's shock, stating, "My reaction was: 'She's four years old, what do you mean she had a stroke?' None of us has really made sense of it. I'm still shocked and I feel absolutely awful about it all."
Heartbreaking Impact on a Vibrant Child
The stroke has had a profound effect on Isla, who was once described as vibrant and constantly active. Maddie added, "It's been by far the worst week of my life. Seeing a child who was once vibrant and constantly active, suddenly lose so much of herself, has been deeply heartbreaking."
The stroke specifically affected the right side of Isla's body, making movement and strength in her right hand particularly difficult. Despite these challenges, she has begun to walk again, though she remains wobbly and exhausted. The treatment has also left her feeling nauseous, and her family acknowledges that recovery will likely be a long and arduous journey.
Family Struggles with Financial and Emotional Pressures
Kitty-Mae, 30, and Dan, 28, are currently unable to work as they focus on caring for Isla and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her two sisters, Ava, eight, and Raya, one. The financial strain has been significant, prompting the family to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help cover expenses.
Maddie noted that the family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received from the community. "We didn't expect to receive all these donations and it's been lovely to see so many people support someone they don't even know," she said. She also highlighted the scarcity of support for families dealing with pediatric strokes, explaining, "Strokes in children are rare and support for families is extremely limited, so the costs can be scary and add up really quickly."
Community Support and Awareness Efforts
In addition to the fundraising efforts, the family has received practical help from local businesses, such as the Osier Cafe in Stowmarket, which provided food for Isla and her family. Both Kitty-Mae and Dan are now hoping to raise awareness about the fact that strokes can occur in children of any age.
They urge parents and caregivers to be vigilant for signs of stroke in children, which can include:
- Sudden weakness on one side of the body
- Facial drooping
- Speech difficulties
- Other neurological symptoms
Despite the immense challenges, the family remains proud of Isla's bravery. Maddie shared, "It's been really distressing for her. We're all so proud of her as she's been so brave." As Isla continues her recovery, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected health crises that can affect even the youngest members of our society.
