‘I just want to change the world’: Ankeny teen advocates for pediatric stroke survivors
By KCCI Staff
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ANKENY, Iowa (KCCI) — Lexi Frederick loves public speaking and wearing high heels and fancy dresses on the pageant stage. You would never know the 16-year-old from Ankeny deals with cerebral palsy and epilepsy as a result of a stroke she had when she was a baby.
“Kids can have strokes too. It’s part of my life motto, I want everyone to be aware of so they can support and understand others so they won’t avoid them but can help them feel good about themselves,” said Lexi.
Doctors still do not know what caused Lexi’s stroke when she was 6 weeks old. She experiences stiffness on her right side, which makes it difficult to do everyday tasks like tying her shoes. Her service dog, Luna, is her loving companion who is always by her side.
“Sometimes, I feel like I am not as good as others because of the limitations that I have, but I adapt, and I just be myself,” said Lexi.
Lexi has found her passion in participating in pageants. She uses her love of public speaking to spread her message of inclusion and support for stroke survivors and people with disabilities.
“I just want to change the world, make it a better place for everyone, no matter where they come from, not matter what challenges they have. I want everyone to know that even a small thing like a smile makes a difference in the world,” said Lexi.
Lexi is one of the nine finalists for the national Stroke Hero Award given by the National Stroke Association. The winner will be announced May 1.
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