Living with Severe Brain Damage (Caused by Meningitis) 

I'm crying at 43 years old watching this. I was born in Manchester, England, six weeks premature. I had Meningococcal Septicemia when born, and I have no side effects, barring anxiety. My heart goes out to this beautiful girl. ❤👊

You can tell she's a daddy's girl!! They definitely have a strong bond what a great dad and mom is awesome too. I see children like Xoey as a blessing she lights up a room and makes you wanna be happy along side with her.

I really appreciate that the dad was able to be emotional! I feel like lots of men think they shouldn’t be vulnerable in front of their kids because they wanna be strong for them but really, emotional strength is allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions.

This is a really important RU-vid channel, thanks for everything you do Chris.

You got this moma. Just remember to take breaks and recharge when you need to. Being a full-time caregiver is a big job.❤

Bless her heart, she's a beautiful little girl. This interview gets to me on a bit of a personal level - my step-dad had meningitis when he was a baby and it resulted in brain damage too. I remember when my mum first got into a relationship with him, his parents sat my mum down and basically said "look, he had brain damage as a baby, you take him or leave him as he is" because a lot of people had taken advantage of him. Don't get me wrong, he's my stepdad and with that territory comes him annoying me and being almost like a much older brother than a dad lol. However, he does his best and I am grateful. Many people have met him and said they noticed he was "a bit off" as he is completely functioning, he just struggles with certain things. Sometimes people say things to my mum as if to say "he doesn't seem quite right, are you sure about him?" which I can understand because when someone isn't quite the same as the average, it can give people that gut reaction that something isn't right. I learned about that and how mirror neurons (I think that's what they're called) basically tell you if something isn't normal, even if you haven't noticed it yourself yet, and that is what causes that gut feeling about things. Sometimes disability is known to cause those mirror neurons to tell you something is wrong even when it isn't because many people like me who have cognitive disabilities aren't visually different but we act different compared to the average person you might come across. All that yabber aside though, I really want to commend this lady for doing so much for her daughter. Even talking about being given funeral plan ideas for her newborn baby, she speaks about it in a bright tone so that her daughter doesn't get upset hearing her mum upset. That's not easy at all! Speaking about her daughter coming leaps and bounds ahead of what doctors expected is what happened with my stepdad too. They were incredibly worried and he was born in the 60's so you can imagine that healthcare wasn't nearly as great. They essentially told his parents he would never do anything and now he has a full-time job (has done for a good 30+ years), a loving family - in general, a very "normal" life. He does most things your average 56 year old man does, it's really only a few minor things like conversation that he ever needs any help with. I say all this basically so that anyone who reads this who may have a child or know a child with meningitis related brain damage, it doesn't mean it's the end. No amount of brain damage or disability means it's the end. Humans are unbelievably resilient and strong and we see it time and time again on this channel. Don't lose your hope for a happy child - disability doesn't mean that they will suffer 24/7. Things may be harder, yes, but those struggles can make you appreciate what the world around you truly offers. After my massively long comment, I just want to commend this mother again as well as her daughter. Both are fighters and have fought for each other through some of the toughest battles and that's so beautiful, it brings a tear to my eye :)

Thank SBSK for people telling true stories ❤

God bless this family! This mama holds so much power and pride for her daughter. I wish this sweet girl a long happy life.

Chris, I have learned a lot since I have started watching your videos. Just an observation; Zoe’s parents both teared up when they were talking. Perhaps you could interview the parents separately from their child and talk openly about how difficult it can be to raise a special needs child? I think this part is often glossed over in your interviews and it would help other parents realize they are not alone❤ This family is amazing and the love they have for their child is undeniable, but you can sense their grief and sadness when they discussed her birth and struggles. Hugs from 🇨🇦 Canada!

What a sweet tender family. The tears in their eyes were heavy but the love they have for Xoey is so loud and tender. Beautiful video! 🥹💗

Wow, she lights up when daddy holds her. Beautiful, and very special family. Lovely, sweet mom.

Xoey and her family - Their story lifts my heart. This video resonated with me and is quite moving. What a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing... and thank you, Chris and company, for all you do. You're changing the world. From one voice to many. All the best.

Xoey is absolutely precious ❤ All of the parents in these videos are great, but there's something about these two that just catches me. They are so loving, open, and optimistic. Really makes me take a second look at my parenting. And props to the grandparents for helping so much! Xoey is a lucky girl to be a part of this awesome family ❤ I wish they had a Go Fund Me or something. It would be nice if they could hire a nurse at least on occasion so they can have a break.

Kudos to the family. I can’t imagine how hard it is, and harder it will be to care for Xoey as everyone gets older.

Hi Xoey! 👋 What an amazing, loving, supportive family you have! 💜

They seem like incredibly kind, thoughtful, nurturing and loving humans. Xoey is lucky to have them and they're incredibly lucky to have her. What a lovely spirit she has. Thanks for sharing this and I hope this family enjoys a beautiful 2024.

Blessings to grandma and grandpa also, for having an open home for the whole family! To give mom and dad a break when needed, you can feel the love all around. Such a beautiful family, God bless them always!🫶🙏🥰👍👍

What an absolutely beautiful family! God placed Xoey in the perfect hands, her parents are amazing

What a family!!!! 🤩⭐️ Xoey was born into the right family to love and care for her 🩷 Poor Dad 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

What amazing parents, they are inspiring to me I have a 5 year old autistic son and it gets hard so seeing this helps me know that I can do this. They are so strong. I hope they know they are doing a great job and I hope they have the support they need ❤

I had an older brother with a similar condition. The doctors told us the same thing. He wouldn’t live past the week, he wouldn’t make it 3 months, he wouldn’t live to see 10 years old. He passed away at 18 years old. It’s amazing how strong love can be.

I’m definitely crying happy tears she’s definitely a sweet heart that lights up her families life

Being a full-time caregiver is a big job and am glad seeing this bond between Xoey and the Father ❤ I am first time Mommy, My son is 1year 7months, he was born full-term but didn't cry at birth and it led to brain damage. At 6months when the Father noticed that the baby was unable to sit he walked away and left us. now his 1year 7months hasn't gained neck control, unable to sit or crawl i feel drained cause i have to do it by myself am not working and the small business i was doing has gone done. i have been unable to take him for physiotherapy due to lack of money, right now don't even have money to get him food and am trying to sell my phone but people are refusing to buy cause it has a lot of cracks. May God help me 🙏 i feel drained and stressed it's not easy i wish the Father was here with us but he choose to walk away.

Xoey's smile is wholesome! She's got such loving and caring parents, grandma and sister!

I know you’ve probably heard this a million times but thank you so much for adding easy to read captions to your videos! It really helps a lot.

I had a friend in college who had meningitis at one year old and it physically disabled her in her right arm, speech and both legs . The last time I saw her was by my old job at the restaurant in St. Louis, MO in the early 2000s. She was married and was pregnant with her first baby!

What a beautiful, caring, and loving family she has! I don't think they'd want her any other way. Xoey is a beautiful soul and has the support she needs from her family to flourish as an amazing human being with a bright and loving spirit! You can tell how proud her parents are talking about her when they start to tear up. 😢 This is such an amazing story that touched me and hopefully touches countless others who watch this video!!!

This is one of my favourites. What an adorable sweet little girl with such a wonderful family

What an amazing family!

What a lovely and caring family.

I’ve used to watch this channel before my daughter became a special kid herself after battling stage 4 brain cancer ATRT she had chemo radiotherapy multiple brain surgery it first was diagnosed at 6 years old this channel helped me cope through 2 years of treatment and she has Mobility limitations stated in a wheelchair now walks independently but other than that cognitively she’s like nothing ever happened on track with her learning it just makes you realise how life is so special and how lucky we where to live in the UK not have no dents and bills thanks to the NHS brain surgery and cancer treatment is expensive, I feel for Americans it’s already so difficult watching your child fight for thier survival talkless worried you can’t afford to save thier life. Baby girl is so precious and I keep her parents in my thoughts and prayers

i was 2 yrs. old when i had meningitis. i got an operation at an early age of 2. never got into rehabilitation becoz at the time i had it, no rehab center here in the Philippines. but luckily, i survived the operation & my after effects to me is that like when someone has a stroke. my left part is weaker than the right part of my body. when i walk, i'm limping. my left arm is weaker than right. all my body parts on my left side, are smaller than right. i'm 46 now. as i'm growing really hard to accept the fact that i have the "illness", i got bullied most of the time(during school days esp. i attended "normal school"), but as i grow older i learn to accept it. still struggling but i learn to accept it. my heart goes to this little girl esp. to her parents. i will pray for ur family. stay strong & hope u all hang on there & Xoey will always on my prayer.... hope Xoey will come a time she will not be sick anymore! Stay Healthy!

i just wanted to say that when xoey makes her little noises, she reminds me of my cat's little high pitched meows and chirps 🥺🥺🥺

I am a meningitis survivor at 8 of age and the only side effect I got is loss of hearing. But yeah I can talk normally to today and I have to be reading people's lips.

Hands down, one of the best channels on RU-vid. Thank you for all your hard work, and thank you to both kids like Xoey and families like hers.

Im crying. Bittersweet tears. Like the mom said, just because she lives a different life doesnt mean its a bad one and onviously shes a happy little girl and shows that. Just because she is the way she is clearly doesnt mean she cant communicate with us and let us know what she wants. I think her parents are just amazing. Absolutely amazing. The relationship she has with both are differently special, watching her visibly happy to be in daddys arms made me cry. The dad is so emotional just when looking at her and speaking about her. You can see how much it hurts his heart ugh. God bless this family ❤

Parents are super loving caring strong and great they are together when for others they split. Ty Chris for going to them.

Wow, what a beautiful family, on the inside and out. Definitely teared up while watching this. I hope that at some point they will be able to have partial at home care, to allow these hardworking family members a brief reprieve and maybe Xoey would like seeing another friendly face. I wonder if now that this is on RU-vid, if Xoey will watch this on tv with her Gramma and get excited to see Jaya while Jaya is out at school or with her friends. I wish them all the best, especially to Jaya as a fellow big sister.

I Loveeeeeee How its spelled Xoey that is a very unique way to spell it!!!!

I love this channel so much 😭❤️ please never stop!

Hey, Xoey's mom and dad. We see you. ❤ Absolute warriors for your girl and your family.

What a sweet, sweet family. Kudos to all.

This is a beautiful family. Please stay strong, you have people pulling for you and your family. You do not have to face this challenge alone.

Wow, Xoey is so sweet and seeing her definitely made my day! I wish I could meet her!

There are two girls I know (twins) who also got sick like Xoey but they were a few weeks older. One of them is blind and deaf, while her sister has developmental delays and vision impairments and they both have forms of epilepsy. They’re both very sweet and are now 5 years old. They have an older brother and friends who don’t quite understand what is happening but still include them in activities.

Painful for these lovely parents to see their child in such a state . Heart breaks for them

Thank you Xoey! What a wonderful family you're part of.❤

She loves her dad ❤

Xoey's Mom and Grandma look like sisters. It's so cool that the family stays together. Xoey is beautiful.

I'm really grateful to see this video. It proves that the toughest challenges can FILL a room with the spirit of LOVE 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

What a beautiful family. Bless them.

What a gorgeous family. I wish I would have had a mother and a grandmother like this gorgeous little girl does. She’s a lucky girl surrounded by love ❤❤❤. May Christ bless her ✝️

Xoey is a precious Angel sent to teach and touch people ...her smile and wide eyes bring so much joy to her parents and loved ones. God Bless Xoey and her Family Always!

You can just see how happy and loved she feels. Meeting Xoey made my day ❤

Love you Xoey! And im blown away by the level of support going on in this family. Its just so much love, really incredible to see. Anyone would be lucky to have a family like yours!

Beautiful little girl. Wishing Xoey and her family all the best.

I have ASD and ADHD, and had meningitis at 6 years old. I have some long-term consequences of meningitis, like processing speed and memory, but with great cognitive abilities. I am glad I survived it without much other issues. I feel sorry for her. It must be painful to live like that with such severe brain damage. Meningitis is a tough disease/infection, especially for children. Doesn’t last long but can leave terrible consequences due to the infection being at the location of the brain itself.

Another amazing family that deserves the absolute world

What wonderful, amazing parents, grandmother,and big sister! Jaya is an old soul and wise beyond her years. You can see it in her eyes. So sweet and comfortable with herself.

This really brought tears to my eyes. So much love ❤such a remarkable family

What a sweet family full of love. This was a great interview!

Xoey what a beautiful precious little girl , thankyou for sharing your story, when Xoey smiles she is radiant you cant help but smile with her, she is amazing❤ God Bless you Xoey and your wonderful family xx❤

What a loving individual with such a caring family!!!

To think having a child who's never going to have a normal life and needs to be taken care of around the clock... Unimaginable

Xoey is adorable. Adorable family.

How lovely to meet you Xoey. What a lovely family you have❤

What a caring precious family! I am deeply touched like others. Xoey is so adorable.❤❤❤

Wow what a family they really love her she's a happy girl because she is so loved what a sweet family

What a beautiful family. This makes my heart happy even though I’m crying!

such a beautiful family ❤️

Your whole family is amazing! I admire your dedication to Zoey. I also have a daughter with severe brain damage. Elizabeth, like Zoey, suffered some type of damage to her brain at 18 months of age. I know the emotional toll it takes on everyone, God bless you all.

This entire family is precious...From grams to big sissy...Absolutely beautiful 😊😊❤❤..Lord continue to cover and bless them ❤..Love from Trinidad 🇹🇹 and Tobago 🇹🇹

You guys are doing such a good job of raising this beautiful child. You have a beautiful family. Thank you for inviting us inside. I wish you all the best.

This is a very beautiful and heartbreaking video

absolutely beautiful family and amazing parents, what a happy little girl you can tell how much love she has to give

She is so beautiful and you guys are absolutely amazing and precious. Love you guys ❤

I love the bond Xoey and her dad have ❤️❤️

What a beautiful family. There is no better family for Xoey than them! The love is endless. I am so moved! BIG HUGS!!

Sending Xoey and family all the love and joy in the world ❤ thank you for sharing your story with us. Thanks SBSK for interviewing this incredible family!

God Bless this Beautiful family

Xoey is absolutely amazing, beautiful, and such a Holy gift: From Heaven.❤😮 What a great family as well, such a Blessing. 🕊 🕊 🕊.

Bless this lovely family

Hi Xoey and family!! I enjoyed watching your video, and it is most commendable how much positivity, joy and enthusiasm you have. I can’t help but wonder how much of that wholesome goodness rubs off on Xoey and brightens her day, even if it might not get articulated. She looks so happy 🥰 These exceptional parents have my utmost admiration and respect.

Beautiful family, every family can learn from all of you.

What a genuinely beautiful family, inside and out.

As difficult as my life is, these things remind me that I'm not alone.

Oh wow, she really responds to her dad, that's so coool

Beautiful girl with a lovely family behind her 🙏 ❤

I found myself just constantly smiling while watching this video 😊

She knows she's loved.

Beautiful family ❤

This family is awesome. So lovely. Yahweh knew that this would be Zoey's life and he picked this family to chisel the character in each of them for His glory. Yahweh bless them and may He continue to give them all happiness, peace and perseverance. Thank you all for sharing with us your life with all it's curve balls and how you make the most from extreme challenges. What an honor to meet some of Yahweh's most valiant soldiers.

your channel, gives me new perspective, to not give up, use all I have in life, cz some people are born different, and yet they still hang tight and do better than me

What a beautiful family...God Bless them.❤

Gigi! You. Are. My. Hero. ❤ Love you all!

OMG Xoey is absolutely precious!! You can totally see and hear her communicating with Chris!!! Absolute Cuteness!!!

Xoey and her family are amazing! Such love! Such strength and courageous devotion to being a wonderful family. The inner communication between them all is so precious and remarkable. No doubt they face countless medical challenges getting through each day that few ever experience. Smiles and love are obviously the meaning of life! So glad the grandparents are there for them all too! Just one more example of an outstanding family who are living life so full of love. Chris, as always, has such supportive questions. Our deepest prayers of love and energy for them all, today and many more days besides.

She’s such a beautiful little girl and a wonderful, loving family. ❤️

The mom had to be tested during pregnancy and then given antibiotics for GBS during labor or had a c-section. This could have been prevented… that poor baby(

I remeber at a local park we used to go to, they had installed a wheelchair swing! all the kids where pretty fascinated by it, but the one time i saw a wheelchair user actually use it, it didn't even work... kinda sad that the grass was cut every week and all the bathrooms and benches were cleaned and repaired at least every month yet the wheelchair swing almost never got any maintenance