SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 24, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Two days after her accidental choking by a mini-blind cord, the 3-year-old daughter of Reno Mahe, BYU running backs coach and former NFL player, continues to fight for her life at Primary Children’s Hospital.
But family members of toddler Elsie Mahe are looking for signs of hope.
“My brother spoke to Evie, who was sitting at Elsie’s bedside, and Evie said Elsie opened her eyes,” said family member Kalani Tonga, in a post on the Mahe Update Facebook page.
“I don’t know how long they were open or whether she regained consciousness at all, but I’m grateful for all of the little miracles we’re experiencing. Keep those prayers and good vibes flowing! We love you Elsie baby!!”
Reno Mahe is married to former BYU volleyball freshman All-American Sunny Tonga Mahe. They have eight children.
The page earlier shared information on the incident, which happened at about 10 a.m. Tuesday.
“Elsie Mahe was playing with her friend and somehow got the blind cord wrapped around her neck. Sunny was washing dishes when Elsie’s friend ran and told Sunny, and then Sunny immediately gave her CPR. She was flown by life flight to Primary Children’s Hospital. Reno and Sunny are thankful for prayers and help that they are receiving.”
The page also has shared information on what doctors initially found. Elsie was sedated, and a ventilator helped her breathe. Doctors found no swelling or blood on the brain, but family members were warned that could change. The toddler had no broken bones. Her period of oxygen deprivation is the cause of her critical injuries.
A later post revealed that Elsie was breathing on her own, and had responded to a finger pinch, but doctors had warned that it was still too early to know the child’s prognosis.
A GoFundMe page was created to support the family, with $31,021 of a $35,000 goal raised in just one day, as of 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. By 3 p.m. Thursday, $36,645 had been raised, and the goal had been raised to $50,000.
Reno Mahe, who both attended and played for BYU, spent five seasons in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and played in Super Bowl XXXIX as a member of the 2004 NFC Championship team.
