This guest post is from Marie about her grandson Logan. Logan and his family have been supporters of The Alesia Shute Foundation and we are thankful that Marie has shared his story. We are excited to meet Logan at the 2014 Evening of Inspiration!
When Logan was 14 months old a brain tumor was discovered. Once removed Logan was left with left-sided weakness, no peripheral vision on his left side and he walks with a limp. Logan along with his parents and community volunteers worked very hard on physical & occupational therapy to help him regain use of his left hand and leg for many years.
Logan’s first seizure was at the age of 8 years old. Having a diagnosis of seizure disorder could be a hindrance to some; but not for Logan. He is determined to lead a normal life by running track and bowling. His computer skills are amazing.
Logan, now 23, has spent most of his young life living at home. CHOP has been Logan’s second home, with him spending over 50 plus weeks there. When his seizures became so bad that he needed twenty four hour observation he was moved to Allies DDD home in Browns Mills, New Jersey.
Logan has undergone two surgeries in attempts to decrease or control his seizures. In 2009 Logan had a vagal nerve stimulator implant done which has shown some success. In 2011 he had major brain surgery called a corpus callosotomy because the doctor told him it could correct his seizures. Logan’s recovery was long and rough. He had post-op issues such as dizziness, GI upset and severe headaches. The staff at Allies , his parents and family have seen Logan through many doctors, emergency and therapy visits. We all watch helplessly as Logan struggles to get better. His seizures have changed but have not been controlled.
Logan is a fighter and does whatever is needed to make a full recovery. Logan has increased his activities both within Allies and outside. Logan was elected Vice President of “Allies on the Move”. Logan’s garden skills have improved due to his determination to succeed. Logan is currently working on a book about his life; hoping it will help others that are also dealing with seizure disorders.
Logan has never let his seizures hinder him from accomplishing his goals. He is a determined young man who tries to do whatever he sets his mind to. Two of his most important tasks he is looking to do are jet skiing and driving. Logan is also looking forward to participating in additional Special Olympics, track and field events.
Logan’s next challenge is to have a third brain surgery with some newer advances in technology. He is not looking forward to the after affects but hopes this is the one that stops his seizures or at least gets them under control with less medication.
It takes a lot of courage to walk in Logan’s shoes. We are amazed at how he continues to face each day with a positive attitude and strives to lead the life he wants. His goal is to be in a supervised apartment so he helps the Allie’s staff with meals, cleaning and organizing the group home as he works towards that goal.
In July 2013 Logan was picked by the Allie’s staff to receive the “Courage” award out of over 200 Allie members. We can all take a lesson from Logan on how to take on life’s challenges and be successful at it.
