A 5-year-old girl from Independence, Aletha, is on the road to recovery after suffering critical injuries from a dog attack earlier this month. The incident occurred on October 8, when Aletha was playing in her backyard, leading to a harrowing series of events that left her fighting for her life.
Key Takeaways
- Aletha was attacked by a neighbor's dog while playing in her backyard.
- She suffered multiple severe injuries, including a fractured skull and collarbone.
- Aletha is slowly recovering, with doctors beginning to reduce her sedation.
- A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $19,400 to support her medical expenses.
The Incident
On the morning of October 8, Aletha was playing in her backyard when a dog, belonging to a neighbor's boyfriend, jumped over the fence and attacked her. Her father, Thomas, reported that the dog was not on a leash and seized Aletha by the neck. Her mother was watching from the porch and quickly alerted Thomas.
It took the dog’s owner to intervene, jumping over the fence to pry the dog off Aletha. The owner reportedly threw the dog back into their yard after the attack.
Medical Condition
Aletha was rushed to Children’s Mercy Hospital, where she was placed in a medically induced coma due to the severity of her injuries. Her condition included:
- Fractured Skull: Resulting in significant pressure on her brain.
- Broken Collarbone and Rib: Causing additional complications.
- Laceration to the Neck: Adding to the urgency of her medical care.
On October 9, she underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her brain. Following the procedure, her heart began to beat independently, although she remained on a ventilator.
Signs of Recovery
Recently, doctors have started to reduce the medication keeping Aletha in a coma. Her father shared that she has begun to open her eyes and show signs of awareness, albeit briefly. He noted:
"She seems to look around the ceiling with confusion. She then looks at me as I’m talking to her, and will thereafter fade back to rest."
Community Support
The local community has rallied around Aletha and her family, with a GoFundMe campaign raising nearly $19,400 from close to 300 donations. The funds will assist with her medical expenses and support her family during this challenging time, as Thomas has taken time off work to care for her.
Conclusion
As Aletha continues her recovery, her family remains hopeful. Thomas expressed gratitude for the support they have received, stating:
"Every day she makes improvements, even if they are small ones. Aletha knows she is in a safe place and is surrounded by love."
The incident has raised awareness about dog safety and the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially in neighborhoods where children play. The city of Independence does not require dogs to be licensed, which has sparked discussions about potential changes to local regulations to prevent future tragedies.
