Positive thoughts and Prayers for the 4 year old who almost drowned

[ktb2002]

They just posted that they are doing the MRI now instead of tomorrow, prayers for answers for the family.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

They just posted that they are doing the MRI now instead of tomorrow, prayers for answers for the family.

Thank you...
I just read the post and was very excited to read he opened his eyes.

 

[alexandlillie]

Thank you...
I just read the post and was very excited to read he opened his eyes.

...and yawned!!! please God, let this be good news.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

...and yawned!!! please God, let this be good news.

 

[m&mfamily]

I hate that they haven't posted an update in so long. I was hoping they might have said what the results were of the MRI. This little boy has stuck with me all week. I just can't get him out of my mind. I have a little 4 year old blonde boy. So, every time I see his sweet little face in his picture it just reminds me how it could be any family going through this. My family and I went on the Dream on 2/10. This was the first time on DCL for my little guy. When we first got on board we did lunch and the hit the spray park and pool area. Dh and dd (10) were doing the Aquaduck and I had ds (9) and ds (4) on my own. The boys walked into the spray park and took their flip flops off right there at the stairs. I bent over and picked up their shoes to move them and go on the other side of the glass. I had my eyes off of them for maybe 15 seconds. I looked up and could not find my 4 year old! There were so many people! I didn't see him in the Nemo area and immediately went to the Mickey pool looking for him. Sure enough, he was right there on the edge of the pool! It happened that quick! And I always watch my kids like a hawk! I think that's maybe one reason this is getting to me so much. It really could be anyone's family going through this. I really believe Disney needs to do something about the amount of people who get in the pools at one time. And they need to have someone make sure there aren't kids jumping in the pool if its overcrowded. We went to the Donald pool after dh and dd rode the slide. Dh and I sat on the side of the pool with our feet in the water and ds(4) played right there in the shallow part of the Donald pool. Dd(10) and ds(9) hung off the side of the deep part. I wouldn't let them leave the side for fear of another kid jumping on one of them. Why in the world is that pool so deep anyway? And, you can't see in it! (I'm assuming the Fantasy Donald pool is like the Dream.). I can't imagine how the family or those poor people who witnessed this occur. It haunts me and I replay what I think happened over and over in my head. I have been praying for Chase since this happened and will continue to do so. I'm praying no news is good news...

 

[bitlerzx4]

My heart skips a beat every time I get a Caring bridge update.

 

[ktmo]

I hate that they haven't posted an update in so long. I was hoping they might have said what the results were of the MRI. This little boy has stuck with me all week. I just can't get him out of my mind. I have a little 4 year old blonde boy. So, every time I see his sweet little face in his picture it just reminds me how it could be any family going through this. My family and I went on the Dream on 2/10. This was the first time on DCL for my little guy. When we first got on board we did lunch and the hit the spray park and pool area. Dh and dd (10) were doing the Aquaduck and I had ds (9) and ds (4) on my own. The boys walked into the spray park and took their flip flops off right there at the stairs. I bent over and picked up their shoes to move them and go on the other side of the glass. I had my eyes off of them for maybe 15 seconds. I looked up and could not find my 4 year old! There were so many people! I didn't see him in the Nemo area and immediately went to the Mickey pool looking for him. Sure enough, he was right there on the edge of the pool! It happened that quick! And I always watch my kids like a hawk! I think that's maybe one reason this is getting to me so much. It really could be anyone's family going through this. I really believe Disney needs to do something about the amount of people who get in the pools at one time. And they need to have someone make sure there aren't kids jumping in the pool if its overcrowded. We went to the Donald pool after dh and dd rode the slide. Dh and I sat on the side of the pool with our feet in the water and ds(4) played right there in the shallow part of the Donald pool. Dd(10) and ds(9) hung off the side of the deep part. I wouldn't let them leave the side for fear of another kid jumping on one of them. Why in the world is that pool so deep anyway? And, you can't see in it! (I'm assuming the Fantasy Donald pool is like the Dream.). I can't imagine how the family or those poor people who witnessed this occur. It haunts me and I replay what I think happened over and over in my head. I have been praying for Chase since this happened and will continue to do so. I'm praying no news is good news...

I can see this happening to us, too. It really can happen in an instant. The other thing about the Donald pool is that it just drops off, it goes from ankle deep to 5 ft all at once. So, if you are not paying attention (watching the movie) you can just drop down.

 

[alexandlillie]

I hate that they haven't posted an update in so long. I was hoping they might have said what the results were of the MRI. This little boy has stuck with me all week. I just can't get him out of my mind. I have a little 4 year old blonde boy. So, every time I see his sweet little face in his picture it just reminds me how it could be any family going through this. My family and I went on the Dream on 2/10. This was the first time on DCL for my little guy. When we first got on board we did lunch and the hit the spray park and pool area. Dh and dd (10) were doing the Aquaduck and I had ds (9) and ds (4) on my own. The boys walked into the spray park and took their flip flops off right there at the stairs. I bent over and picked up their shoes to move them and go on the other side of the glass. I had my eyes off of them for maybe 15 seconds. I looked up and could not find my 4 year old! There were so many people! I didn't see him in the Nemo area and immediately went to the Mickey pool looking for him. Sure enough, he was right there on the edge of the pool! It happened that quick! And I always watch my kids like a hawk! I think that's maybe one reason this is getting to me so much. It really could be anyone's family going through this. I really believe Disney needs to do something about the amount of people who get in the pools at one time. And they need to have someone make sure there aren't kids jumping in the pool if its overcrowded. We went to the Donald pool after dh and dd rode the slide. Dh and I sat on the side of the pool with our feet in the water and ds(4) played right there in the shallow part of the Donald pool. Dd(10) and ds(9) hung off the side of the deep part. I wouldn't let them leave the side for fear of another kid jumping on one of them. Why in the world is that pool so deep anyway? And, you can't see in it! (I'm assuming the Fantasy Donald pool is like the Dream.). I can't imagine how the family or those poor people who witnessed this occur. It haunts me and I replay what I think happened over and over in my head. I have been praying for Chase since this happened and will continue to do so. I'm praying no news is good news...

Well said, I agree with you completely. I have a 3 year blonde angel. Looks so similar to Chase. We were on the Magic a few weeks ago and had a scary pool experience. We didn't do the pool again on sea days after that.

It frankly makes me reconsider cruising again on our onboard booking because I KNOW my DS CRAVES the pool. He STILL talks about being in the water on the big boat.

I don't want have to say no to him but.... can't imagine ever feeling its safe enough to allow it....given what we experienced, have read, and what happened to Chase.

AND my first thought this morning was to check on the MRI results. i hope that they just don't have news from the doctor yet.

 

[Empress Room]

The events involving this child on the Fantasy are certainly tragic and likely permanent; however, criticizing the parents or Disney appears misguided. Try Googling "near drowning" and you will see that this is not a parental problem or a Disney problem - it is actually a very common occurrence and, unfortunately, it is devastating and simply an accident that occurs everywhere - all across the country, in ponds, pools, lakes and ditches.

Prevention and education of (young) children appears to be the only way to prevent it - teaching them to respect water and stay away without adult supervision. Since it can occur so quickly and involve as little as one aspiration of liquid (one breath), life guards cannot even prevent its occurrence with any certainty.

There are several good medical and survivor websites devoted to near drownings, the severity, symptoms and long-term prognosis. Like most, I always thought that one either drowned (perished) or survived (and everything was fine). The reality is that near drowning patients have moderate to severe brain damage for the rest of their lives, often requiring 24-hour care for the most basic of skills - lives altered severely. The damage to the oxygen-deprived brain occurs in as little as 4 minutes and kills brain cells irreversibly. From the Caring Bridge posts, it appears as if that is what this family is now struggling to grasp - a new reality with a likely permanently brain damaged child. That's what the prayers are needed for and what education for prevention is apparently all about.

 

[alexandlillie]

The events involving this child on the Fantasy are certainly tragic and likely permanent; however, criticizing the parents or Disney appears misguided. Try Googling "near drowning" and you will see that this is not a parental problem or a Disney problem - it is actually a very common occurrence and, unfortunately, it is devastating and simply an accident that occurs everywhere - all across the country, in ponds, pools, lakes and ditches.

Prevention and education of (young) children appears to be the only way to prevent it - teaching them to respect water and stay away without adult supervision. Since it can occur so quickly and involve as little as one aspiration of liquid (one breath), life guards cannot even prevent its occurrence with any certainty.

There are several good medical and survivor websites devoted to near drownings, the severity, symptoms and long-term prognosis. Like most, I always thought that one either drowned (perished) or survived (and everything was fine). The reality is that near drowning patients have moderate to severe brain damage for the rest of their lives, often requiring 24-hour care for the most basic of skills - lives altered severely. The damage to the oxygen-deprived brain occurs in as little as 4 minutes and kills brain cells irreversibly. From the Caring Bridge posts, it appears as if that is what this family is now struggling to grasp - a new reality with a likely permanently brain damaged child. That's what the prayers are needed for and what education for prevention is apparently all about.

I don't think anyone on this thread is criticizing the parents or disney. I've learned so much from this incident, and have been sharing with others. I know I'm responsible for my children.

I have said MANY prayers for Chase. I made a gift to his family, and I will do so again today. I check for updates several times a day. I come back here to feel connected to others I know are feeling the same.

I had an independent scary pool experience...now I have also read about so many others' similar experiences. Personally, I do not feel the cruise pool is a safe place for my children to play due to overcrowding and big kids jumping. Water education and training is important - but there's only so much you can expect a 3 or 4 year old to grasp and reliably display.

It has crossed my mind to cancel our onboard booking because I don't want my child to be upset for several days when I don't let him play in an area that feels unsafe.

I do not know what Disney is responsible for. They employ smarter minds than mine. I believe exploring some measure(s) to make it a safer pool - perhaps by limiting children or enforcing no jumping OR PERHAPS just offering more activities elsewhere on the ship to draw away some people - is just common sense. I have emailed that to Disney and will again...

I also know this is NOT the thread for debate...My heart breaks to consider that the MRI might show permanent brain damage as you suggest. I cannot fathom how one comes to term with such devastation...there are no words.

I admire the strength, courage, and optimism the family has displayed.

 

[Melissa R]

The events involving this child on the Fantasy are certainly tragic and likely permanent; however, criticizing the parents or Disney appears misguided. Try Googling "near drowning" and you will see that this is not a parental problem or a Disney problem - it is actually a very common occurrence and, unfortunately, it is devastating and simply an accident that occurs everywhere - all across the country, in ponds, pools, lakes and ditches.

Prevention and education of (young) children appears to be the only way to prevent it - teaching them to respect water and stay away without adult supervision. Since it can occur so quickly and involve as little as one aspiration of liquid (one breath), life guards cannot even prevent its occurrence with any certainty.

I see the point you're trying to make, but I think that prevention and education is not always enough. Just as a good swimmer can get caught in a rip current at a beach and end up in trouble, I think the point people are raising here is that the pools get very crowded, there are a lot of distractions, and that it seems like there may be a need for some type of change to prevent another accident. The very best swimmer in the world who is being watched by a parent is still going to get injured if someone jumps into an overcrowded pool and lands on your neck.

My son was in the pool that moment when Chase was pulled out. I was sitting on the edge with my feet in the water. I was within reach of my son (10 yrs old) but there was one time that he was trying to get back to the edge of the pool and it was so crowded that he couldn't get to the edge. He is a swimmer so he could handle it, but I could see where a less able swimmer could have gotten into trouble because getting to the edge of the pool was a challenge.

 

[Empress Room]

The very best swimmer in the world who is being watched by a parent is still going to get injured if someone jumps into an overcrowded pool and lands on your neck.

My son was in the pool that moment when Chase was pulled out. I was sitting on the edge with my feet in the water.

Is that what happened in this case (if you know)? Did another child jump onto Chase's neck? I had not heard the details. If so, that would be the place to start if one is placing blame on someone or something.

Although you can argue that one drowning/near drowning is one too many, the reality is that Disney has been running its pools the same way on its cruise lines since 1998, servicing hundreds of thousands of guests during those 15 years and this is the first such incident of which I am aware. Accidents unfortunately happen in our imperfect world, from car and plane crashes to slips and falls. It isn't necessarily an indicator that the way things are being done need to change or are inherently unsafe. My own personal observations concerning the pools on all DCL (and other) cruise ships is that, although they are crowded at times, they are no more or less dangerous than any pool on land.

 

[Melissa R]

Is that what happened in this case (if you know)? Did another child jump onto Chase's neck? I had not heard the details. If so, that would be the place to start if one is placing blame on someone or something..

No, I'm not saying that's what happened. I'm just saying that there are some things that could happen that even being the best swimmer with a parent watching can't prevent.

And I agree that this is an unusual situation that happened after 15 years of Disney cruises. I'm in NO way blaming Disney. I'm not blaming anyone. I'm just saying that there were things that I observed that were less than safe, and after what happened, it made me think more about the safety of the pools.

Personally I think that parents of the kids at the pool could sometimes do a bit more to make sure that their kids are behaving carefully, but that's just my opinion - and is just generally speaking, not referring to this accident in any way whatsoever.

 

[Itinkso]

So that this Thread doesn't get deleted - bringing it back on topic:

Before the MRI results are posted, everyone who has been praying for a Miracle needs to remember there have already been a few:
~ a young person, enjoying his time in the Donald pool, noticed Chase and rather than going into shock, had the presence of mind to alert an adult
~ the immediate responders knew to clear his lungs and begin CPR to bring him back to life by restoring oxygen to his brain
~ it happened at Port Canaveral where he was transferred to Arnold Palmer for top-notch care.

The Candle Lighting for Chase will be held again tonight. Please join in!

 

[Melissa R]

MRI results are posted on Caring Bridge. Oh, how I had hoped that they would get better news. But how exciting that they get to go home today!!

 

[alexandlillie]

They posted the MRI results on Caringbridge. Not sure that I completely understand but it does seem like widespread brain damage. They didn't say much if anything about prognosis.

they are headed home today...small blessings.

 

[alexandlillie]

My own personal observations concerning the pools on all DCL (and other) cruise ships is that, although they are crowded at times, they are no more or less dangerous than any pool on land.

Reasonable people can agree to disagree.

 

[jlemieu1]

I'm glad to see he will be heading home. They are taking him to a great hospital here in MN. I personally have been there many times and only had great care.

I still hold out some hope for the little guy. I have a family friend that lost about 40% of his brain function due to a snowmobile accident. They said he would never talk, walk and etc.... He proved them all wrong... He may not 100% same he was before the accident but hold down a good job and even has his own family now....

 

[Jillpie]

A very sad report today. I know these parents are surviving by trying to stay positive and upbeat, the reality is just too hard to bear otherwise. What a nightmare the past 10 days has been for them. They are going to need a lot of support when they get home.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Gosh - how horrible.
Prognosis sounds grim.