July 4, 2017 will forever be etched in the memories of the Sullivan family as a day of horror. What was meant to be a peaceful summer day turned into a nightmare in their own backyard.
Tragically, it was their three-year-old son, Roan, who fell victim to a horrific accident that left his parents in shock. The scene resembled that of a devastating explosion.
The innocent cause of the trauma turned out to be a common household item, yet one that leads to three children being rushed to emergency rooms in the United States daily.
On this fateful summer day, Sean Sullivan set out to mow the lawn with his trusty and powerful lawnmower. Typically, young Roan would accompany him, sitting on his father’s lap during the task.
Little did they know that this day would turn out dramatically different.
As the grass needed extensive cutting due to its overgrowth, Melissa took Roan and his little sister indoors while Sean continued with the mowing.
After quenching his thirst, Roan rushed back outside while his sister went to rest.
Before Sean could comprehend what was happening, Roan suddenly darted in front of the lawnmower.
Sean vividly recalls the heartbreaking events:
“It was the one moment he slipped away without us noticing,” Sean recounted to WTVR.
In a split second, Roan entered Sean’s view, and despite the lawnmower not operating at high speeds, tragedy struck.
The distraught parents cannot recall the precise rescue process, but the image of their son’s condition remains seared in their minds.
Amid chaos, they managed to extract Roan from beneath the lawnmower, rushed him into their vehicle, and raced to the emergency room.
Sean expressed his gratitude upon encountering a team of dedicated medical professionals working tirelessly to save his son, whom he referred to as ‘angels’.
Following initial treatment, Roan was transferred to a children’s hospital in Richmond, where he underwent multiple challenging surgeries, including the amputation of his right foot.
Regrettably, Roan’s ordeal is not an isolated case.
Sean, haunted by overwhelming guilt, acknowledges that he will forever be tormented by the incident involving his son.
Now, the Sullivan family is determined to raise awareness about the potential hazards associated with these high-powered lawnmowers.
It takes only a moment to alter a child’s life irreversibly. Stay vigilant as lawnmowers of this nature pose significant risks to children.
Statistics from the Ampretee Coalition reveal that over 600 children undergo lawnmower-related amputations annually, with more than 800 being involved in mower or small tractor accidents.
According to The Daily Mail, an average of 69 Americans lose their lives due to lawnmower incidents each year, far outnumbering fatalities caused by terrorist attacks.
Today, Roan is on the path to recovery, facing each day with resilience and optimism despite the near-tragic accident.
Melissa attributes her son’s miraculous recovery to divine intervention, while also expressing profound gratitude towards the dedicated medical personnel.
“Every individual involved in his healing journey is an angel, and their names will forever be etched in my heart,” Melissa declared.
Thanks to unwavering support, Roan has emerged stronger than ever. Nevertheless, not all children may be as fortunate.
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