Dr. Sherron Jackson and her son Alex were both injured in a car accident when Alex was 9 months old. Alex was paralyzed.
When Dr. Jackson awoke from her coma, “I saw him in intensive care and he smiled when he recognized me,” she remembers.”I was overjoyed. As a pediatrician I had taken care of children with multiple injuries or disabilities, so I was just grateful and I thanked God that he was alive.”
Building a foundation of support after the accident
Dr. Jackson also established a strong support system that went beyond her family and friends and included programs and services for people with disabilities. “All the doctors, nurses, and specialists, the rehab team, physical and occupational therapists helped Alex heal during his 6 month hospitalization after the accident,” she shares. Dr. Jackson went on to leverage local resources in their home state of South Carolina in the USA.
Having Alex as her son even impacted her career as a pediatrician. “I thought I was an empathetic pediatrician before the accident, but after taking care of my own child’s special needs, I became more observant and more vocal about the needs of my patients,” she shares.
“I wondered if Alex would become angry about his injury after he was old enough to understand what happened,” she says, but Alex is a thriving adult who took his challenges in stride with what his mother calls “a motivated spirit.”
Giving space for a child to develop independence
Despite caring for Alex’s needs throughout his life, Dr. Jackson recognizes his need to maximize independence. “Independence is important for survival in today’s world,” she says. “Disabled persons should grow up confident in their abilities.” As for her son, Alex has learned to drive, which has opened doors for him personally and professionally.
“I recommend parents teach their children to set goals and dreams and to give them the opportunity and resources to achieve their goals. We all have to survive in this world and some of us have different obstacles to overcome.”
Gushing like any proud parent, Dr. Jackson is proud to be Alex’s mother.