'I will never take it for granted': Shaken baby syndrome survivor training for Ironman

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Twenty-six-year-old Lucas Mattix is defying the odds of a devastating diagnosis he received at just six weeks old.

His parents noticed he was acting unusual and took him to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with shaken baby syndrome, an abusive head trauma that happened while he was in the care of a babysitter.

Mattix said doctors found retinol hemorrhaging and brain hemorrhaging.

Shaken baby syndrome can cause permanent brain damage and even be fatal. About 25% of babies diagnosed die, according to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, and 80% suffer lifelong disabilities.

Mattix’s diagnosis led to a long journey of physical therapy, occupational therapy and a long list of appointments to get MRIs and CAT scans.

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