Helicopter transport saves Jake from brain injury
On Memorial Day 2005, 10-year-old Jake was playing catch in the backyard of his Oak Brook home when he was hit in the head accidentally by a baseball. Jake experienced mild pain, but showed no outward signs of injury. His parents, Lisa and Steve, could not have imagined that in less than 24 hours, this seemingly minor injury would threaten their son's life.
The following day Jake was at school and feeling fine, until he suddenly dropped to the ground at recess complaining of pain in his ear. Lisa took him to their pediatrician who found nothing wrong with his ear, but sent the family to their local hospital for a precautionary CAT scan. The scan revealed blood in the brain, but did not reveal the fracture that was causing the bleeding.
While at the hospital, Jake took a sudden and drastic turn for the worse when he lost consciousness and his pupils became dilated. The staff knew they needed to call in the expertise of Children's Memorial Hospital.
When the Children's Memorial Emergency Transport Team arrived, they realized the severity of Jake's condition. Because time was of the essence, they called for a helicopter to transport him because, without one, it was unlikely he would survive the drive into the city.
With hands shaking and nerves frayed, Lisa and Steve drove to Children's Memorial, giving consent for the surgery over the phone because there was no time to spare. “When I learned they were taking him to Children's Memorial, I felt relieved. Everyone knows Children's Memorial is the best place for kids,” says Lisa.
Jake's injury had caused a fracture that cut a large blood vessel leading outside the brain. The surgeons at Children's Memorial knew that delaying action could mean devastating consequences for Jake, so they wasted no time. Jake was already in surgery by the time his parents arrived at the hospital. “We were prepared for Jake's arrival and able to act immediately because of the way Children's Memorial is specially equipped and staffed,” says Arthur DiPatri, MD , attending neurosurgeon at Children's Memorial.
“When I learned they were taking him to Children's Memorial, I felt relieved. Everyone knows Children's Memorial is the best place for kids,” says Lisa.
Jake survived the two-hour surgery and, amazingly, suffered no brain damage. The family says Jake's exceptional care did not stop there. “The team approach to care and recovery after surgery at Children's Memorial is amazing,” says Steve. “I have been in other hospitals and nothing comes close to Children's Memorial.”
Jake returned home later that same week in time to celebrate his dad's birthday. He was running up and down the stairs his first day out of the hospital.
Today, Jake is a healthy boy who enjoys playing sports and hanging out with his friends and family. His remarkable story has made him a local celebrity, receiving spontaneous hugs from neighbors and strangers alike, as well as baseballs autographed by professional players.
Jake's parents are forever grateful to Children's Memorial for saving their child's life. “There are very few hospitals that have the expertise to treat a condition a severe as Jake's, says Steve. “We want to do whatever we can to help Children's Memorial because it is such an amazing place,” says Lisa. “How can you thank someone for saving your child's life?”
Children's Memorial Hospital seeks philanthropic funding to enhance its programs and services. As a proud partner of the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), all funds raised in the Chicago area through CMN also benefit Children's Memorial. To find out how your support can help the hospital better serve children and families, please contact the Children's Memorial Foundation at 773.880.4237 or Foundation@childrensmemorial.org.