Nationwide — After falling 15 tales from an house balcony, an African American toddler named TJ Thompson from Silver Spring, Maryland, is now defying the percentages with an unbelievable restoration. Practically 3 years outdated, TJ just isn’t solely studying his numbers like most kids his age—he’s additionally relearning the right way to stroll after the traumatic fall that just about took his life.
His grandmother, Janiel Thompson, calls him their “miracle child.” She and her spouse, Whitley, have been caring for TJ and serving to him address the bodily and emotional aftermath. “He nonetheless has nightmares and flashbacks,” Janiel shared. “One time he thought he was falling once more whereas in his wheelchair—you might simply see the worry in his eyes.”
In line with 11 Alive, the accident occurred on Could 15 whereas TJ was visiting household on the Enclave Flats in Silver Spring. He by some means fell from a Fifteenth-floor balcony and landed in bushes beneath, surviving with a damaged leg, torn neck ligaments, bruised lungs, and a lacerated liver. He spent weeks in a solid and was unable to stroll.
Janiel stated watching him wrestle has been heartbreaking. “Although he’s in good spirits, he can’t transfer the best way he used to,” she stated. The household has additionally needed to revisit milestones like potty coaching, which needed to be restarted from scratch. “He was doing so nicely, after which all the things simply got here to a halt.”
Now counting on a wheelchair and walker, TJ is slowly gaining confidence however nonetheless afraid to place full weight on his leg. His grandmothers fear too, particularly about re-injury. “If he jumps or falls the fallacious approach, it may imply one other six weeks in a solid,” Whitley defined. “However he’s nonetheless simply being a child.”
The household is awaiting a medical replace subsequent week to see if TJ’s leg is healed sufficient for bodily remedy. Within the meantime, TJ is extra enthusiastic about his third birthday this weekend—and the toy vehicles he hopes to unwrap. “I desire a bulldozer, please,” he stated with a smile.
To help TJ’s ongoing restoration, his household has launched a GoFundMe to assist cowl medical and remedy bills.
