Idaho Toddler Run Over By Riding Lawn Mower
REXBURG, IDAHO – July 30, 2015 – (Gephardt Daily/ EastIdahoNews.com) – A two-year-old boy boy from Idaho is recovering in the hospital after he was run over by a riding lawn mower last Thursday while playing at a family member’s home, according to EastIdahoNews.com.
Derek Emery, Kayden Emery’s father, told EastIdahoNews that the family member backed up the lawn mower and unfortunately did not seen the boy.
Kayden was airlifted by medical helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. He lost his left foot and suffered cuts and fractures on his left leg.
“Right now doctors are focusing on cleaning his wounds and seeing what tissues are still viable,” Derek said. “He’s learning how to stand on one leg and he’s trying to learn to crawl again.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 17,000 children in the United States are injured every year by lawnmowers. Derek and Kariann Emery both know they’re fortunate their son survived.
“I just try not to focus on the lost hopes and dreams of our boy being able to be (a) football star or the track star,” Derek said. “It’s not going to hinder him. He’s going to be able to do those things – just in a different way.”
Kayden’s parents hope he will be able to be helped by Shriner’s Hospital in Salt Lake City as he will need to be fitted for different prosthetic limbs over the years as he grows.
It is unclear when Kayden will be allowed to return home but his family is hopeful it will be soon.
The Emery’s said the love they’ve felt from people around the world has been incredible.
“I’m just thankful for everybody out there and their caring concern,” Derek said. “It’s really touching. It’s opened my eyes and I want to be out there returning it. There’s nothing I can do but that.”
A GoFundMe account called “Karing for Kayden” has been set up to help the family with medical and other expenses.
Donations are also being accepted at any Bank of Commerce location.
