Preventable Stupidity

Markeda Oyeyinka was said to have been a normal, healthy infant before she was rushed to the emergency room at Cook County Hospital in September 1993.

She had suffered multiple injuries and was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome. For the rest of her life, she would suffer severe health and developmental problems.

Markeda died on March 7, at the age of 17.  Every minute that she suffered could have been prevented. Shaken baby syndrome (or abusive head trauma) is the leading cause of deaths among abused children.  I have worked with mentally disabled kids for years. I have been to group homes, both good and bad, and worked with kids who never had a chance.  Almost every long-term care facility had at least one child who did have a chance in this world, but it was taken away by someone else.  Someone who couldn't control their temper and took it out on a little child.

If you see an adult who is out of control around a small child, please report it.  You could save a life.  You could set an example.  And you can prevent a lifetime of suffering.