Tragic Loss: A Family’s Journey Following Button Battery Ingestion

A button battery, deceptively small and shiny like a coin, brought heartbreak to a loving family. It claimed the life of 17-month-old Emily Grace Thompson, affectionately known as Emmi. Her mother, Sarah Thompson, has since dedicated herself to preventing other families from enduring the same sorrow.

Misdiagnosis and the Missing Battery

In late October, Emily began wheezing and lost her appetite. Her parents took her to the pediatrician, who mistakenly diagnosed her with croup. Unbeknownst to them, button battery ingestion is frequently misidentified as croup. The following day, Sarah discovered one of the household’s button batteries was missing. Realizing the potential danger, they rushed to the emergency room, where an X-ray revealed the battery lodged inside Emily. She underwent emergency surgery to have it removed.

After a few days in the hospital, Emily was sent home on a liquid diet, with plans for a follow-up in several weeks. “I remember shopping for every possible liquid food,” Sarah reflected. “We were concerned about her not seeing us eat, as she loved food.” However, the family’s worries escalated when Sarah returned to the emergency room, fearing complications from the battery. A CT scan uncovered a fistula—a dangerous tunnel that had formed between Emily’s trachea and esophagus.

Despite multiple surgeries and a transfer to a larger hospital in Houston, Emily’s condition worsened. Tragically, she passed away on December 17, 2020. Sarah holds onto the memory of that final moment: “I remember holding her. I hadn’t gotten to hold her before.”

The Hidden Danger of Button Batteries

Button batteries, often found in everyday items like remote controls, toys, and greeting cards, pose a significant risk to children. Sarah estimates that about 3,200 button battery ingestions occur annually, but she believes the actual number is closer to 30,000, as only a small fraction is reported. Symptoms can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Unfortunately, severe tissue burns can develop within just two hours of ingestion, leading to lifelong disabilities or worse.

Sarah urges parents to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect their child has ingested a button battery.

Transforming Grief into Advocacy

Driven by her loss, Sarah felt an urgent need to advocate for child safety. Alongside a passionate group of supporters she calls “Emily’s Champions,” she founded a nonprofit named Emily’s Purpose. Their mission is to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and parents, support families affected by battery ingestion, and push for legislative changes to prevent future tragedies. One of their goals is to implement secure battery compartments that require an additional mechanism for access.

On June 12, Emily’s Purpose initiated “Button Battery Awareness Day,” encouraging families to check their homes for button batteries and ensure they are stored safely out of children’s reach. Sarah also calls on parents to support legislative efforts when they reach Congress, emphasizing the potential impact on future generations.

A Spirited Child with a Bright Future

According to Sarah, “Emily was a vibrant and spirited child. We always believed she would achieve something remarkable.” Her untimely death is a profound tragedy that serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers in our homes. It can happen to anyone, and it only takes a moment of inattention.

For those interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this related post, or visit resources like Make A Mom and the NHS for valuable information.

Search Queries:

In summary, the tragedy of Emily’s passing highlights the urgent need for awareness around button battery safety. Her mother’s advocacy work aims to ensure that no other family has to face such a heartbreaking loss.

Keyphrase: Button battery safety awareness

Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]