Central Queensland mum, Kobi, never imagined her baby girl could have a stroke. But when eight-and-a-half-month-old Bonnie suddenly lost movement on the left side of her body, Kobi's world was turned upside down.
Just eight weeks ago, Bonnie had a stroke while the family was travelling interstate. At first, the signs were subtle - weakness in her left side and later a droop on one side of Bonnie's face. Although Kobi knew the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke, she never thought they were relevant to a baby.
"I didn't think babies could have strokes," Kobi said. "I brushed it off as a new cheeky smile or just tiredness after meeting so many new people. It wasn't until the next morning at the airport, when I noticed Bonnie's left leg wasn't moving properly, that I realised something more serious was happening."
Bonnie was rushed to the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, where doctors confirmed she had had a stroke. Since then, Bonnie has been on the road to recovery, showing remarkable resilience.
"Bonnie is recovering well, and we're seeing lots of improvement in her motor skills. We try to incorporate her rehab into playtime. The hardest part is not knowing how she'll recover because every stroke survivor's journey is different - but we focus on what we can control," Kobi said.
Living in rural Queensland adds challenges for the family, with their nearest paediatric neurologist based in Brisbane. But with support from Rockhampton Hospital specialists, extended family, and friends, Kobi and her partner Tom are determined to give Bonnie the best chance at recovery.
Kobi is now sharing her family's story to help raise awareness that stroke can happen to anyone - at any age.
"So many people we've spoken to didn't realise babies and children could have strokes. The F.A.S.T. message is important for everyone, not just the elderly. Stroke can happen at any age or stage of life," she said.
To give back and spread awareness, Kobi and Tom created Team Bon Bon and are taking part in Stride4Stroke, setting themselves a goal of 900 moving minutes each and $500 in fundraising. They've already smashed their fundraising target raising over $3,000 and are now pushing to exceed their moving minutes goal as well.
Stroke Foundation CEO, Dr Lisa Murphy, praised the family's courage in sharing their story.
"Bonnie's story is a powerful reminder that stroke does not discriminate by age - it can happen to anyone. In fact, up to 120 babies and around 400 children have a stroke in Australia each year," Dr Murphy said.
"By bravely sharing Bonnie's story, Kobi and Tom are helping raise awareness of the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and encouraging others to act quickly if they suspect stroke. Their involvement in Stride4Stroke will help fund vital prevention, treatment and recovery programs for thousands of Australians impacted by stroke each year," Dr Murphy added.
Donate to Team Bon Bon here: https://www.stride4stroke.org.au/fundraisers/teambonbon or join thousands of other striders this September at www.stride4stroke.org.au
About Stride4Stroke
Stride4Stroke is Stroke Foundation's biggest annual fundraiser, challenging Australians to set a personal 'Moving Minutes' goal and get active their own way throughout September - walking, running, swimming, dancing or riding - to help prevent stroke, save lives and support the 440,000 stroke survivors in our community.
Stride4Stroke 2025 is proudly supported by: Australian Physiotherapy Association, Compassion Care Network and Precision Group.
