A Stroke of Genius: Lennox Flynn and Eight-Year-Old Leah Flynn Use Music to Heal

Lennox Flynn, the father of talent violinist, Leah Flynn shares their family's story of survival and triumph! End Quote

Orlando, FL (1888PressRelease) February 13, 2016 - In April 2007, two days after I married my wife Paula, I suffered a major stroke, resulting in slurred speech and paralysis on the right side of my body. Paula was three months pregnant at the time and her health should have been the focus. But, instead, I was hospitalized for two weeks, followed by a slow recovery.

To a musician with over 25 years of experience, the thought of never playing the organ or piano again was devastating! But the pending birth of our daughter served as great motivation to recover, including reclaiming my musical abilities. I practiced the organ and piano diligently and even though I missed most keys, I began to make progress.

Six months after my stroke, our beautiful daughter Leah was born. As a result of my stroke, I was no longer able to work and transitioned into the role of stay-at-home dad - a wonderful blessing, as I would later learn. I continued to play (and rehabilitate) and, when Leah was about three years old, I introduced her to the piano that she so often heard. To my surprise, she quickly picked it up! Just a few years later, she learned to play the violin at an exhilarated pace and proved to be quite the prodigy.

Leah, now 8-years-old, loves to perform and uses her talents to bring people together and inspire change. For example, after witnessing televised riots following a shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, Leah volunteered to play her violin on the news to help bring peace. The kind and sincere gesture of this child inspired many.

Now I realize that my stroke was not a death sentence but, rather, a challenging stroke of genius that granted a lively bond between my daughter and me. Music has inspired Leah and, in turn, Leah inspires me ─ every day.

To read more about Leah and to stay updated on her endeavors feel free to visit her website and to view a video collection of her musical performances, please visit her YouTube channel...

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