Group B Strep at 3 Days Old, Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy: Kate’s Story of Disability Acceptance and Hope | S3E62

Kate’s son, Frank, contracted a variety of meningitis she hadn’t even heard of at only 3 days old, which led to him later being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. In this episode, Kate shares honestly about the hospital experience, the diagnosis process and her fears that he would have CP and what life might look like for him and the rest of the family in the future.

As she later realised, whilst having cerebral palsy certainly led to a different life than they had anticipated, it isn’t a bad one. Frank is a happy, giggly child who helps Kate to remain optimistic and share her life with others on Instagram on her account, “overatkates”. She is an advocate for accepting the life you have and shares advice on coming to terms with having a child with a disability.

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In this episode, we’re chatting about:

Kate’s story of her son, Frank, contracting group B strep at 3 days old
The aftermath of his infection and being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy
How Kate adjusted to her new life and why she found having another baby actually helped
Reframing disability and focusing on what her son can do
Being overwhelmed by multiple types of therapy and finding a balance with life

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Take what you need!

[00:48] Introducing Kate

[02:05] Frank’s birth and the early days

[09:08] The after effects of group B strep

[12:55] Adjusting to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy

[17:51] What helped Kate adapt

[21:45] Group B strep

[24:10] Advice for people finding it hard to adjust

[27:43] The decision to have another child

[30:34] Therapy and coping

[37:34] Advice for people going through it now