Pleasant Grove 4-year-old who lost foot to lawnmower is stable, positive parents say

Brailey Partida. Photo: GoFundMe

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, Aug. 9, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The family of a 4-year-old girl who lost part of her leg in a lawnmower accident this month spoke out Tuesday to thank those who helped save their daughter’s life.

Preschooler Brailey Partida on Aug. 1 slipped from a riding mower she was on with her grandmother, and the 4-year-old fell under the spinning blades, which mangled her right leg and severed the foot.

Neighbors rushed in to help Brailey, and one used a belt as a tourniquet to stop the profuse bleeding.

Bob Armendariz, the brother-in-law of Jacob Partida, Brailey’s father, said without the help of people who ran in to help, Brailey likely would not have survived.

“We don’t know how we could ever thank you enough,” Armendariz said.

Doctors at Primary Children’s hospital amputated her right leg under the knee, parents Jacob and Teri Partida said.

Father Jacob Partida called Brailey “tenacious.”

“She is probably helping us get though this more than anything else,” he said. “Her temperament, her attitude is just incredible.”

Brailey’s condition is no longer life-threatening, and the long healing process can begin, her father said.

“The road to recovery will be long,” he said. “Unfortunately, that will continue throughout her growing years,” adding that multiple surgeries would be required.

Teri Partida urged parents to keep their children away from lawn mowers, and to postpone mowing if there is no other adult around to keep an eye on little ones. Brailey’s grandmother is distraught about the accident, family members said.

A GoFundMe page was set up in Brailey’s name, and by Tuesday night had raised $6,602 of its $10,000 goal, to help with medical expenses.

“Our sweet Brailey was badly injured in a tragic accident that took her right leg on August 1, 2016,” the page states. “She will be facing many surgeries and rehabilitation going forward. We would be so grateful for extra funds to help cover medical expenses.

“Brailey is sunshine and happiness to our family. Her smile and laughter are infectious. We are heartbroken that she will struggle due to the injuries she sustained. However, she is a strong little lady who we know will fight to overcome this setback. She is in the hands of great doctors and amazing parents. We look forward to hearing and seeing her laughter and smiles.”

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