HeadStrong

Welcome to HeadStrong!  This blog is to aide as an outlet for friends and family to show love, support and encouraging thoughts to the family of Cooper Miranda! The word headstrong is typically used to describe a strong-willed, determined personality...but for our little Coop it means a whole lot more than that.  We are using the term HeadStrong  to define qualities Cooper will use to his benefit to surpass any obstacle the next few months may throw him. Michelle says Cooper is the one who "broke the Miranda mold"  - a little boy who is a fighter with a determination and passion unlike anything we have every seen.  So the term seemed more than fitting!

It all started when Cooper began complaining of his head hurting...first it began with headaches just during play time (worse when running and jumping).  But then the headaches started occurring at less predictable times.  The headaches would only last a few minutes, Cooper would take some big deep breathes (thanks to some advice from a wise friend), and then the headache would go away as fast as it came on.  This little *Spiderman* didn't let it bother him too much- he is the first to show off how fast he can run, how brave he is when jumping from one piece of furniture to the next, or how strong he is bringing his older brothers to the ground in a wrestling match!  But Mommy thought she better get that HeadStrong little boy checked out anyway.  The pediatrician requested a few more tests, then after a few MRIs and doctors appointments we all got a lot more familiar with the term Chiari Malformation.

Chiari Malformation is a structural defect at the base of the skull where the cerebellum and brainstem can be pushed downward, causing a build up of pressure- leading to severe headaches for Cooper.  After some research, a few tears, lots of prayers, and a few references, Cooper met Dr. Francesco Mangano- the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  Not only is he highly qualified, comes with great parent/nurse references, shares a name with a Disney CARS character- but he also has mini golf in his office!  Obviously this was a match made in heaven!  Dr. Mangano said surgery was necessary and the family prepared for surgery in a month or two.  However, there was a late opening in the surgery schedule and plans were moved up a bit, leaving no time for reservation or second thoughts!  So here we are, a few days before surgery making plans for meals, kids pick up and drop off, organizing the never ending schedule of events-counting down the days until Cooper is pain free!

So please, log onto this blog: CMHeadStrong.blogspot.com to read Coop's story, hear daily updates of his progress and recovery, leave encouraging words for his family, and sign up for meals to help take some stress off the family.  The Miranda Family is so grateful for all of the love and support that has already been shown but please continue to pray, so this little HeadStrong boy can be even more HeadStrong-just now without pain!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12