My life changed forever 7 years ago when I gave birth to my first son Bastian. Bastian was premature 3lbs 13oz. He was born at 30 weeks into my pregnancy (10 weeks early) because I had eclampsia resulting in a seizure and small stroke. Bastian was born with a brain bleed resulting in hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and had his first brain surgery at 8 months old to install his first shunt which he will have in his brain for life. At 2 years old he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and at 2 and a half his first shunt failed resulting in brain surgery again for his second shunt. At age 5 we were told Bastian was Autistic, although I always knew he was different and had a feeling it could be autism the world kind of moved in slow motion when they told me. Now he had another label. Bastian has always been the light in the room, he has an old soul and he is and always will be my hero. Labels don't matter. I watch him and I wish more then anything I could take away his pain, I wish I could help people be more understanding and considerate of his feelings and how sensitive he is. He is so very smart and sweet he is loving and just wants to be loved in return. My life changed forever that day but I wouldn't change it for the world. I love both of my boys with all of my heart exactly the way they are, through all the therapy and Dr's appointments they are worth every second of it!

Bernadette Haney
EL Cajon, CA