Posted: 3/26/03

Youth finds many school friends

Medical specialists still canít explain what caused Mark Jankowski to sustain a series of strokes when he was 4 years old ó the most serious of which occurred the night before he was scheduled to see a specialist at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

That stroke, which affected his brain and brain stem, left Mark unable to sit, eat, walk or talk.

He spent a month at the University of Iowa Hospital before becoming stable enough to be transferred to Gilletteís inpatient rehabilitation program.

During nearly two months of aggressive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Gillette, Mark regained many of the skills heíd lost.

ìMark is the second-oldest of four boys,î says his mother, Gail Jankowski, ìand after his strokes, he definitely benefited physically from having brothers. It was amazing how quickly he began to improve and keep up with them.î

Although he hasnít had a stroke since 1997, Mark experiences some continuing health issues. He receives regular injections of botulinum toxin to help manage muscle spasticity, and he wears ankle and foot orthoses.

He underwent orthopedic surgery last week after the KS95 for Kids radiothon to help him to walk better.

Nevertheless, Mark enjoys sports, especially golfing and riding bikes with friends.

At school, his favorite subjects are writing and science.

ìWeíve received wonderful support at Gillette in dealing with the many issues that have arisen from Markís strokes,î Gail Jankowski said.

ìAs a result of the changes in his life, he and his brothers are learning that being different on the outside doesn't change whatís inside.î

Mark also found he has plenty of good friends at Forest Lake Elementary School where he is in the fourth grade.

When classmates in teacher Julie Larsonís class heard Markís interview on KS95, they immediately teamed their talents and coins to raise funds for the event which raised money for The Childrenís Miracle Network.

The initial drive produced $100. Teacher Larson said last week close to an additional $100 was raised through donations from other students and parents at Forest Lake Elementary.

Mark is the son of Gail and Jim Jankowski of Forest Lake. Gail Jankowski said Mark will be in the hospital for about a week and will be restricted to a wheelchair for several weeks while recovering from this most recent orthopedic surgery.

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