(Photo credit: Judah Strong GoFundMe)
A community is rallying around the family of Judah Jackson, a beautiful 5-year-old boy who had a horrible drowning accident at a lake in 2020. The family took to share their story via social media and over the last year and a half thousands of followers have come to share their support, prayers and even their funds to support the family in need.
Photos from the mom’s social media share these incredibly beautiful photos of Judah with an playful smile that would light up any room. According to their GoFundMe page, the Jackson family has been diligently trying to keep up the faith ever since the incident happened in August.
“On August 9th, my sweet baby boy drowned in a lake during a family outing at our local park,” writes Verlonda Jackson on their GoFundMe. “He was found by police at the bottom of the lake without a heartbeat or a pulse. He was rushed to the nearest hospital and revived, but suffered a horrific amount of brain damage. He was given a 20% chance of ever being able to walk, talk, think, feed himself, see, or move about like the once vibrant, rambunctious 4 year old he once was.”
But this past week, the parents of Judah have to do the unthinkable and cope with the loss of Judah as he just passed away. Jackson took to social media to share the heartbreaking news.
View this post on Instagram
It was just last week, Judah’s mom was giving updates as she normally does:
“Judah is doing quite well these days. He’s stable. No new progressions, but no major setbacks. He seems to be enjoying school, and is well-loved by all the teachers and staff❤️The other babies are doing well. My husband is doing well. I – have been struggling. Most days I can’t even bare to look at my phone. I am worn out, stretched thin, broken-hearted, run-down, and just…pray for me. Pray for Judah….pray for me. Please.”
“Over the last couple of months my heart has been so heavy,” she shared in another post. “I’ve been trying hard to let go of what we’ve lost, and to hold on tightly and be grateful for what we still have left….I’ve submerged myself in work and therapy to keep my sanity, keep myself healthily distracted, and my heart protected from any further trauma….but there are some moments where I force myself to stop moving, to be still, and to process..In those moments, God always meets me halfway with a gentle reminder that He’s a waymaker, a miracle worker, and He’s still on the throne.”
Learning from this heartbreaking incident, we want to share some safety tips for the little swimmer in your household.
When there are several adults present, choose one to be responsible for watching children in or near the water for a certain period of time, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be the Water Watcher.
Be aware of situations that are unique to open water, such as limited visibility, depth, uneven surfaces, currents and undertow. These potential hazards can make swimming in open water more challenging than swimming in a pool.
when boating or participating in other water activities. Choose a life jacket that is right for your child’s weight and water activity. Weak swimmers and children who cannot swim should wear life jackets when they are in or near water.
Water in rivers, creeks and streams constantly flows downstream, creating strong currents due to changes under the surface of the water.
Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with the Jackson family.
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