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Every year when my son’s birthday comes up, I’m reminded of how I entered this industry and I figured there may be some people who don’t know that story. In honor of the biggest hero in my life, my son CJ who turned nine today, I figured I’d share it on this blog for the first time.
In 1997 I had a healthy and beautiful son named Christopher James and while I was a young mother at 21, I was really excited. I had no idea that two weeks later my life would completely change when my son suffered a massive infant stroke (cause remains unknown).
Being told that my son would never walk, talk or have any more ability than he did at six weeks old when the stroke and resulting brain damage were finally discovered was bar none the worst experience of my life.
He spent the first two years of his life in and out of the hospital with tests, illnesses and a plethora of other problems and I spent a large portion of those two years almost living at the Ronald McDonald House near the children’s hospital two hours away from my home.
Early on during those two years, my dad changed my life completely (something neither of us realized at the time) when a computer arrived at my home, with a note that he thought it might help me do research on my son’s condition.
I found out quickly that there was little information available on the web. I wanted desperately to find people who were going through what I was going through to find out the best ways to help my son, as well as deal with my own grief and frustration.
In 1997 I made a small webpage about CJ that told the story of his stroke. In the months that followed, I received countless emails from other parents relating their own personal experiences with childhood stroke.
In 1998, I expanded on the original webpage and formed the Pediatric Stroke Network - the first national support group for parents and families of pediatric stroke survivors to ever register with the American Heart Association.
During 1999 and 2000 a lot of spotlight was put on childhood stroke, which in turn created awareness and eventually resulted in research that hopefully will prevent other families in the future from experiencing what I and so many others have. I am proud that CJ and the Pediatric Stroke Network were able to be a part of that via interviews in USA Today, Inside Edition and Stroke Connection Magazine among others. We were also able to be a gateway to connect media outlets like People Magazine, Good Morning America and many others with children and families that met their interview criteria.
I started to figure that maybe there was a way this site could start generating income, aside from the people who sponsored the site costs in exchange for a link on our sponsors page. I didn’t want to make a huge profit; I just wanted to figure out how I could continue to devote 60 hours a week to this site and still cover my household bills.
After a little bit of searching, I stumbled onto affiliate marketing - one program in particular. It was through the message boards for this company that I stumbled upon the two people that changed my life forever.
I received a private message from someone who had been watching my posts and thought I was picking up internet marketing concepts pretty quickly. He introduced me to another guy who is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met in my life. They both told me “you’ve got a natural knack for this and we’ll do our best to help you develop it”.
I’d gladly put the names of these two men in neon lights, but they’re both private people, and I respect that. But I will say that these two men changed my life and I will be forever grateful for that. At the insistence of one of these men, I attended Boston PubCon in 2003, another event that changed my life and introduced me to some of my best friends, both in this industry and in life.
I realized that monetizing PSN wasn’t something I was comfortable with and it would be easier to remain a volunteer director and simply work on developing a new business with affiliate marketing on the side. I spent the next 6 months busting my ass making affiliate sites, and it started to pay off in the engines. Shortly after, I was blowing away any income expectations I had ever dreamed of when I started. And my career in this
industry went on from there. I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to develop a successful career in Internet marketing that has allowed a single mom like me to support three children, one of whom has special needs.
The Pediatric Stroke Network is still in existence today being run by a very dedicated woman who took over the site for me in early 2002 when I realized that I couldn’t direct the group and run my business and continues to push for awareness and offer support as it has to thousands of families over the years. (I have had no involvement
in the website aside from giving donations in the last four plus years during which time it has undergone a lot of changes.)
Most people don’t realize that stroke is not limited to adults. I know I certainly didn’t when my son was diagnosed as having had one at six weeks of age. Strokes can happen at any time in life - including during childhood, infancy and even in utero.
My son was severely affected by his stroke. His stroke was bilateral, which means it occurred on both sides of the brain. Bilateral strokes are often more damaging to the brain and unfortunately for my son, that statistic held true.
As a result of his stroke CJ has spastic quad cerebral palsy, profound mental retardation, an uncontrolled seizure disorder (sometimes referred to as catastrophic epilepsy), gastroesophageal reflux, cortical visual impairment and a gastrostomy tube along with some other minor medical issues. All in all, he has the mental and physical ability of an infant.
Even though I have a successful career and a business that I love, I’d trade it all in a heartbeat for my son to have been able to be healthy and live the life any parent hopes for their child.
My son is my biggest hero in life. He is my biggest inspiration and even though he isn’t aware of it, has been able to touch so many lives with his warm smile and sweet disposition.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CJ!
(Note: CJ can’t express his wishes, but if he were able to, I’m sure he’d request that anyone wanting to give him a birthday gift consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House, the place he knows he and other children around the globe can count on as their home away from home.)
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As a dad of a six year old thats a really touching story. I wish you both the best.
There aren’t many people who could live with, let alone write, about such a life changing event. Happy birthday CJ - may you have many more!
Rae, that’s an extremely touching story. Happy birthday to CJ. As a newcomer to this field, I find your insights extremely valuable and I appreciate you sharing them (and this story) with us.
As a new Dad and recent friend of yours, I’m touched by your story Rae. He is a very lucky boy to have a Mom as devoted to his care as you. Happy Birthday CJ!
Wow Rae - thanks for sharing. I thought you were a superhero *before* reading this post…. CJ is a lucky little guy to have a mother like you there to care for him.
A belated Happy Birthday to CJ!
Rae, you could not have been more candid, thoughful, and brave to post this entry. You’re a stong woman and CJ is fortunate to have such a caring mother. Thank’s so much for sharing a little personal history.
WOW! I have to agree with Brian I had no idea the story behind your life. Thanks for being so honest and upfront. CJ is very lucky to have such a devoted mom.
Happy Birthday CJ!
Happy Birthday CJ!
Love,
Andre & Anita
Rae,
That truely was one of the most beautiful and touching posts I have read online, especially from someone within our little industry.
Being a father of two, my heart goes out to you and your family.
If I see you at PubCon Vegas, I will definitely say hi.
Mike
Happy birthday CJ!
Your background Rae is one of the most inspiring stories I’ve seen in this industry. I love it that someone facing as many obstacles and seemingly unsurmountable obstacles as you do is able to be a leading success :).
Hi Rae,
As a father of a child on the autism spectrum, I completely understand your comment that you would forgo all your business-related achievements and success to have a healthy son who can live a functionally independent life. The fact that you can launch, manage and grow your enterprise in the midst of this difficult challenge reveals the strength of your character (not just your obvious intelligence, drive, and strong work ethic).
Of course, your son must be an incredibly strong, determined individual, too, who continues to face adversity on a day-to-day basis. I’m glad that CJ has you (and vice-versa) so that you can face these struggles together. I pray that both of you continue to prosper.
Wow! I never heard of that condition. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Aloha,
Dave.
I’ve only met you a couple times when I had the pleasure of speaking with you on panels conferences. I knew their was something different inside you, but didn’t know why I felt that or what it could be. Now I know. You’re amazing. It’s an honor to post on your blog.
Eric Ward aka LinkMoses
wow*
whatta story*
Happy Belated Bday CJ!!
& it’s nice to hear a genuine success story about someone actually earning an honest living on the Internet*
Rock On Sugarrae**********
Cheers! Billy ;))
Peace*
I arrived at this site via Aaron Wall’s SEO Book site and I am very impressed with your personal story as well as the great information that you provide to us web site owners, who don’t do this professionally, but, nevertheless, have to constantly deal with the issues of SEO. Thanks.
That was a great inspirational story. I know that they say everything happens for a reason however when it comes to kids it is really hard to understand why things like this have to happen to them. However, I think that is really awesome that you are doing so much to make people aware. I applaud you for all of your efforts. I have never commented on anyone’s blog but I felt it necessary to let you know that I think what you have done is inspiring to those of us who are trying to make a living working from home. Thank you so much!
Micki
WOW. That was quite a story for this afternoon. Thank you for that…
Rae,
Wow, that is incredible…Thank you for sharing this incredible story. I don’t have experience with pediatric stroke, but I can relate because my father experienced a stroke this past summer.
This is by far the most inspiring entry into internet marketing that I’ve heard of. That’s awesome…CJ is definitely a hero (Happy Birthday CJ!), and so are you for starting an organization to help others like that. Some people choose to let hardships make them bitter, but you both chose to overcome, and that earns my respect. Keep sharing this, as I’m sure it will continue to touch many people. :)
Inspiring.
We would all like to think that we would be resilient and adaptive in the face of crisis (but fear that we might not), but you clearly have those qualities. Along with attitude and confidence.
Very admirable. You deserve your success.
Bless you Rae, for your candid insights as well as your personal courage. Wishing you well.
I just came her to hear you rant, but now i am getting hooked on your website. i will be hearing reading through your post for the next 3 days.
As I reflect on my birthday today, I am grateful for my health and many blessings. Your life reminds me of how blessed we all are if we do not focus all of our energy on the negative circumstances , but feel gratitude for the positive victories in our lives.
God bless.
Bless you and your son, Rae!
Your story really touched me and left me speechless. All I can say is that I wish the best for you and your son.
Well Rae… I just recently learned about you weblog here, and I read it weekly. And glad I am too!
Best wishes to you and your son. Not much more to say than: Keep it going!
Hi Rae - searched for internet marketing and got caught by your captivating story. Thats one of the most touching entries to this business I have ever heard.
I wish all the best to you and your son!
Speaking about a shocking story ! I have some experiences with the things you described and it can be so hard to accept…and sometimes even harder to manage a biz like this and taking care of your family and all of the troubles.
Best wishes to you and your son and keep on going !
Dave
I’m sorry to hear that, i hope it is evolving in a better way. We will pray for you..
Remember the good, never the bad. The best that you’ve known, is the best that you’ve had.
Best wishes and keep on going !
Wish you and your son best of luck.
Rae, thanks for sharing this story. Sending best wishes CJ’s way.
-Paul
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