6-year-old has Leg Amputated After Lawnmower Accident

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6-year-old has Leg Amputated After Lawnmower Accident

By Becky Ogann

CLARINDA (AP) - A 6-year-old Clarinda boy is recovering after his lower leg was amputated following a lawnmower accident.

Jakob Childs was injured when he slipped and fell while trying to jump on a riding lawnmower on May 11. Police say the person operating the lawnmower didn't realize what had happened and backed over the boy's foot.

His parents, Dan and Stephanie Childs, made the decision to have his foot amputated after being told by doctors that even with painful surgeries there would be no guarantee he would regain use of his leg.

Jakob's leg was amputated midway between the ankle and the knee so he could have full use of his knee. His parents say it will be four to six weeks before he is fitted with a prosthetic and begin physical therapy.
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Friday, May 23 at 7:16 AM D wrote ...

That happened to our neighbor boy years ago, he lost his foot and wore a prosthetic leg, did wonderfully well, played sports and is an outstanding young man who went to college and has a great job, too bad it happened, lawn mowers are not toys and children need to be taught that, but accidents do happen. Hopefully this incident will make others aware of the dangers. Good luck to the young boy and his family.

Thursday, May 22 at 12:42 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm glad that he survived.

Thursday, May 22 at 3:34 AM I am sorry to hear wrote ...

WOW You never think things like this happen but they do I am sorry I hope he feels better well as good as he can at a time like this..

Wednesday, May 21 at 9:13 PM Amomonous wrote ...

Hmm, No mention of a combine, Strange?

Wednesday, May 21 at 6:06 PM Peds RN wrote ...

I work in a pediatric unit in a large hospital and we see so many of these cases each year! Please, parents, do not let your children operate lawn mowers. Don't let children ride with you on a lawn mower. Don't even have them outside when you are mowing. It's not worth the pain and suffering they go through by losing toes, feet, etc.

Wednesday, May 21 at 3:19 PM Clarinda Girl wrote ...

Your son is all my kids can talk about. One of my boys is in 4th grade and they dedicated field day to Jakob. We are thinking about your family and keeping them in our prayers.

Wednesday, May 21 at 2:59 PM Adam wrote ...

Same thing happened to my brother only he got all of hi toes cut off. Shriners Hospital in St. Louis was able to reattch all but his big toe.

Wednesday, May 21 at 2:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...

The accident is such a terrible tragedy, and the decision to amputate could not have been easy. My heart goes out to your family. Kids adapt well though, and the fact that he still has use of his knee will give him a wide range of mobility. Speaking from personal experience, I know things will work out.

Wednesday, May 21 at 2:04 PM anonymous2 wrote ...

I hope he has a speedy recovery....We will be praying for him and his family during this hard time

Wednesday, May 21 at 1:47 PM Sad momma wrote ...

That poor baby. Just a reminder of how careful we need to be when there are children in our lives. He will be in my thoughts.

Wednesday, May 21 at 1:33 PM RN wrote ...

poor little guy!!!

Wednesday, May 21 at 12:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Oh that poor boy. He is in my prayers!

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