Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Shaken Baby Syndrome Family Spotlight | Kylie Brantley - Survivor of Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Today we share with you the story of Kylie Brantley, a beautiful little girl surviving the daily affects of Shaken Baby Syndrome. 


Kylie was born a perfect little girl June 24, 2004.  Coming into a world of love to her mother and father, Kylie's much awaited arrival could not come soon enough for the doting parents.  On October 26, 2004, sadly just four months after she came into this world, Kylie became a victim of an extremely preventable crime.   Her maternal uncle plead guilty to felony injury of a child in April of 2006.  He received 10 years probation and 30 days in jail.  Shattering their hearts for a lifetime, they were expected, like all the families with survivors of Shaken Baby Syndrome, to "move in" and "learn to live" again...  This task is not always what one might think.. 

Since her injury, they can no longer simply go to any sort of establishment without serious preparations.  Kylie requires advance discussion about any change to her routine.  They can not simply go to the movies as she can not see them.  They can not simply go to dinner as a family as loud places and large crowds over stimulate her and cause meltdowns.  Caleb cannot simply go to the grocery store with her as her meltdowns draw attention and can sometimes get them asked to leave.  It is not so simple to do anything for, or with her.



Caleb Brantley, Kylie's father has one dream for Kylie.   To help her achieve a full education.  For her to become as strong as possible both physically and mentally.  As she has gotten older and become aware of the difference between her and her peers, she has asked why and how it happened.  Caleb's dream is for her to fully understand the nature of those differences and thrive regardless of them.

Life will never be as it once was.. especially when it comes to trusting others with Kylie.  Caleb will never again trust someone to watch his children without a very serious talk about what his expectations are.  It does not matter if they are family or not. Caleb explains what happened in full detail.  Caleb only leaves his children with his mother and step mother.  

Caleb is still learning to maintain and cope with what happened to Kylie.  It catches him off guard sometimes as something her sister does or says reminds him of the fact that Kylie did not or can not do it still.  There are many things that he feel were taken from her and as he discovers new challenges for her he is often sent right back to the place he was mentally and emotionally when she was injured.


Kylie's future will not be determined by the prognosis of her doctors.  Caleb has learned that her will and determination outweigh her brain injury and that strength can be gained from watching a hero so young.

Although Kylie's mother and Caleb are no longer together, Caleb feels they have been very fortunate to find a great early childhood development program that was able to help as well as being in a position to be very involved in all therapy appointments in order to learn what to do and how to do it to insure Kylie had every opportunity to grow and develop.  Occupational, Physical, Vision, and speech therapies were very frequent.  They also moved to an area where a lot of them were also available through a local college in aquatic form, working with Kylie constantly.



The bravery Caleb has shown to all of us in the community of families of Shaken Baby Syndrome, is that no matter what may be, and no matter what prognosis, there is always hope, and there are always miracles.  Kylie is just that, a miracle.

Thank you so much Caleb for sharing the story of your beautiful Kylie with us.  Your love far outweighs any mountains you have climbed, and know you are in our thoughts daily.

From all of us at,
The Keane Law Firm 

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

In Louisiana, Gretna babysitter arrested after 2-month-old is diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

A Gretna, Louisiana woman paid to care for children in her home was reportedly arrested after doctors diagnosed one of her infant charges with shaken baby syndrome, authorities said. Sherry Savois, 56, was booked Wednesday with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile, according to Deputy Chief Anthony Christiana of the Gretna Police Department.

The case is reportedly still under investigation, but Christiana said Savois, an unlicensed child care provider, watched six or seven children at her Gretna home, 2600 block of Lafayette St., on a regular basis. The children aren't related to her, authorities said.
In August, the mother of a 2-month-old girl noticed one of her baby's limbs was not moving when she picked her up from the house. "There was some apparent paralysis," Christiana said. The mother told investigators the girl was fine when she dropped her off at Savois' residence earlier that day.

Doctors at a local hospital reportedly determined the girl was suffering from bleeding in her brain, Christiana said. They eventually diagnosed her with shaken baby syndrome.
The girl's mother contacted Gretna police. Christiana said the diagnosis, the investigation, the gathering of medical documentation and meetings with the district attorney's office took some time. Detectives obtained a warrant for Savois' arrest on Oct. 15.
Police aren't sure whether the girl is the only victim. Investigators contacted Savois' other customers and advised the parents to have their children medically examined, Christiana said.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com



Tuesday, July 16, 2013

In Alabama, Infant Still In Intensive Care After Alleged Abuse By Mother’s Boyfriend | Shaken Baby Syndrome


An infant is reportedly still in intensive care, four days after police say the two-month-old boy suffered from Shaken Baby Syndrome in Alabama. 
Charges have been reportedly filed against the mother’s boyfriend, Ryan Allen.  However investigators are concerned about the long-term consequences of the alleged abuse.
Saturday afternoon, police reportedly responded as back-up with EMT’s to an apartment complex on Dickson Street where crews found the infant not breathing.
Investigators say this routine medical call quickly turned into a criminal investigation.
Investigators say the baby’s mother was at work, and left Allen to babysit.
Investigators say Allen called officers when he realized the child was unresponsive, however detectives believe Allen may have waited several minutes before trying to get help.
Right now Allen is reportedly charged with aggravated child abuse, but police say those charges could be upgraded, depending on whether the baby survives his injuries.
Police report the baby is still in critical condition and suffering from seizures.
Investigators say the child endured injuries to the brain as well as other parts of his body from the alleged abuse.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

In Vermont, Effort Targets Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney


Bob Logan’s infant grandson died nearly eight years ago on Father’s Day, two days after being violently shaken by his teenage father. Now, the grieving grandfather wants to help teach other young parents how to avoid the same pain.

“The alternative would be to remain angry for the rest of my life,” Logan said. “So I thought a better alternative would be to help prevent this.”

Regardless of official school colors, purple soon will become more prominent at some New Hampshire high schools as part of a project to educate teens about injuries associated with shaking infants.

“The Period of PURPLE Crying for Teens” builds on a national program aimed at reassuring new parents that it’s normal for babies between the ages of two weeks and four months to experience long bouts of inconsolable crying. Purple is an acronym that describes characteristics of an infant’s crying during this phase — peak of crying, unexpected, resists soothing, pain-like face, long lasting and evening.

New Hampshire hospitals and others across the country have been sending new parents home with brochures, DVDs and tiny purple hats to reinforce the message for years, but the new project marks the first time teenagers in the state are being specifically targeted.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437(KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com



Monday, March 18, 2013

In Florida, Father Charged with Murder in Shaken Baby Case | Shaken Baby Syndrome


The Oakland Park father reportedly picked up a notepad and shook it violently, a demonstration to detectives on how he shook his 5-month-old child because the boy was fussy, officials said.
"It was disgusting," recalled Broward Sheriff's Detective Michael Vadnal.
Paul Day, 41, of Pompano Beach, was reportedly arrested Wednesday on a murder charge in the death of little Anibus Day, the Sheriff's Office said. The boy never regained consciousness following the June 11, 2009, shaking incident and died on Dec. 15 last year, authorities said.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com




Tuesday, February 19, 2013

In Illinois, Uncle apologizes for injuring 6-month-old nephew | Shaken Baby Syndrome


A 23-year-old Benjamin J. Fuller of Peoria Illinois was sentenced Friday to nine years in prison for violently shaking his 6-month-old nephew in 2011.
Benjamin J. Fuller, reportedly apologized and said he regretted hurting the infant. Fuller told Peoria County Circuit Judge Kevin Lyons he didn’t realize shaking the child could lead to problems later in life.
Fuller’s brother, John Fuller, reportedly took the stand and asked for the minimum sentence — six years — for his brother, pointing out to Lyons that his brother, while having character flaws, had a good heart.
Lyons reportedly seemed touched by the brother’s comments but noted that judges must look at the crime and sentence accordingly, not just consider what the victim in the matter wants.
In December, Benjamin Fuller reportedly pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery to a child as part of a deal with Peoria County prosecutors that saw lesser counts of aggravated battery and reckless conduct dismissed. The deal had a 15-year cap on any prison term. Without the deal, he would have faced up to 30 years in prison.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437(KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Thursday, February 7, 2013

Shaken Baby Syndrome Family Spotlight | Jordan Nicot - Survivor of Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome

What a beautiful story we have to share with you today.  This story is not like any other.  This story is of Jordan Nicot, a survivor of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

This picture was taken the day before he was shaken March 9th 2011.

 A beautiful, healthy baby boy born August 8, 2010 to his mother, Gabriela Diaz, Jordan came into this world, celebrating his life just starting, surrounded by family and friends.  Allegedly, Jordan was taken to a daycare center in Springfield Massachusetts March 10, 2011, ready to play for the day.  Little did his mother, Gabriela know, this day would forever change their lives.

The teacher, whom allegedly shook sweet Jordan is reportedly due in court for the start of the trial April 25, 2013.  Gabriela has learned so much since this horrific incident, especially concerning child abuse and how often it happens, of which she was not aware of prior to Jordan's life being changed forever.  She is now an advocate to ensure others know that Child Abuse and Shaken Baby Syndrome occur more than we could ever imagine, and by educating herself, she is now able to educate others on the dangers.

Since March 10, 2011, coping on a moment by moment basis can be a great struggle for any parent who has a child whom is a survivor of Shaken Baby Syndrome.  For Gabriela, coping means visits to see a therapist to help her work through all of the emotions of handling what has happened to her child when he was not in her care.  Along with visits to a therapist, Gabriela is also maintaining by taking medications to assist with the extensive depression that settles over  parents whom have walked in the "journey" of the devastation of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Jordan and his older sister March 10, 2012

Life has truly changed for Gabriela, however she continues to strive to make sure Jordan achieves all that he can by not limiting him, and the possibilities the future may hold for him.  Jordan has an amazing story to be told and all of the possibilities, Gabriela ensures everyone knows who Jordan is, through all of the trails and triumphs they may face, together.

Jordan playing with his favorite toy, Elmo

Jordan is 2 1/2 years old and is a bubbly little man that loves elmo and playing with his puppies Serenity and King.  Often times, Jordan can be heard telling Gabriela  he loves her, how much and that is the biggest reward any mother can ask, and for him to continue blooming into the young man he is .

We thank you Gabriela for sharing Jordan's story with us!  Such a beautiful little boy, and enjoy watching his progress.

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437(KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

If you would like to share your story, please contact rachel (at) keanelaw (dot) com today!


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Family Spotlight | Shaken Baby Syndrome

The families affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome, are beautiful inside and out.  Whether they are coping day to day with a loss, or the on going care of a survivor, each and every single family is important to us.

With the New Year upon us, you will see weekly stories about these amazing families on our blog, and we would like to welcome you to be apart of this as well.  If you have a story you would like to share with us, please contact rachel (at) keanelaw (dot) com, and we will be in contact you within 48 hours to schedule a week in which we will host your story on our blog.

Each story deserves to be told, and have a voice, I hope you too will share with us!

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437(KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com