Sunday, September 24, 2017

Georgia: Young girl mauled by Pit Bull while visiting friend's house

GEORGIA -- On Friday September 8, Addison Whittle was attacked by a pit bull while playing with neighbors. The injuries she received were severe enough to warrant a medical evacuation by helicopter to Egleston.

Addison underwent 3 hours of surgery Friday, but because some of the wounds were very deep they couldn't be closed. She is facing at least one additional surgery, and will need skin grafts.

Her parents Jason and Kim have understandably not left the hospital since this happened. Jason is the provider for the family and while his job provides him flexibility and some paid leave, the expense of living out of a hospital room exceeds his usual budget.


At this time, there are a lot of unknowns. Air ambulance, extended hospital stays, and multiple surgeries all add up to exorbitant prices and they have not heard back from their insurance regarding what is and isn't covered. It is very possible that we will increase the goal once more of the unknowns have been addressed.

For now we are trying to raise $10,000 so that Jason and Kim can focus their attention on Addison without worrying about how their bills will get paid.

Update 1
I got to visit Addison this afternoon. She's doing well considering what she's been through.

The bed they have her in is uncomfortable, and she's hesitant to move too much because she hurts when she moves.

She has a second procedure scheduled for tomorrow morning, and hopefully they can either switch out her bed or at least get an egg crate under her during that process.

I will do my best to provide an update once the procedure is finished.

Update 2
Addison had her second surgery today and did well.

The surgeon removed the wound vac and cleaned her wounds. There were thankfully no signs of infection. The wounds are still too big to close, and so the wound vac was replaced.

She will go back in for effectively the same procedure on Friday, and hopefully at that time the plastic surgery team will be able to provide a more clear path forward.

Update 3
Today was a rough day for Addison, but came with some good too.


Nerves and anxiety set in pretty strong over the surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning, and the medicines they used to combat that have her going back and forth between sleepy and grumpy.

The good news is that at PT today she used a bicycle that measures the pressure she can exert with her legs, and she exerted equal pressure! There was concern that the right leg wouldn't be as strong, but thankfully that wasn't an issue.

Surgery #3 is scheduled for 9am. I will post an update as soon as I hear from Jason.

Update 4
Addison did well in surgery today - no signs of infection. They are still unable to close all of her wounds, so another procedure has been scheduled for Tuesday, and then tentatively next Thursday they will be able to start skin grafts.

This all means at least another week in the hospital, as the bills continue to roll in. The Whittles are beyond grateful for every dollar that has been donated - know that you have helped ease their worries about work and bills with each donation.

If you've already donated, THANK YOU! If you haven't yet donated, please consider doing so now, or sharing Addison's story with your friends and family. These are good folks going through an unthinkable situation. And above all, please keep Addison and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Update 5
Addison had her 4th surgery today and it went well. She's healed enough that the plastic surgery team is comfortable proceeding with skin grafts starting Thursday.

Hopefully between now and Thursday we will get a better idea of the path and timeline that gets Addison back home.

The past few days have been good; Addison has been able to venture outside, she's had some great visits with teachers, family, and friends, and she's done a little schoolwork so she doesn't get behind.

One of the things that brings smiles into this family's day is Smilegrams. It doesn't cost a thing - go to giving.choa.org/smilegram and enter the requested information (Addison Whittle in room 4237at Egleston), write her a note, and the hospital delivers it within a few hours. If you've wanted to visit and aren't able to this is a great way to let Addison know she's in your thoughts.


Even though Addison's condition is stable, please keep in mind that she's a child who has been through a traumatic experience, and she hasn't been home in more than 10 days. Having her parents by her side is helping to keep her anxiety at a manageable level, so that's where they are. If you haven't yet made a donation, please consider making one now. Whether you've made a donation already or not, please share Addison's story in your network. And as always, please keep Addison and her family in your prayers.

Update 6
Addison had a skin graft procedure yesterday, and has been in a lot of pain coming out of it. They were able to close more wounds, but she still has a wound vac in one and will have another procedure on Monday.

If they are able to remove the wound vac on Monday, then she will be able to go home Monday or Tuesday. If not, she has to stay as long as the wound vac is needed - so prayers that the procedure Monday allows this family to go home.

Today marks 2 weeks since the Whittles have been enduring this. Please pray for Addison and her family as they continue to work towards getting her home, and if you are able please consider a contribution.


GoFundMe: Help the Whittle Family
Created September 10, 2017
Brett Nolan
on behalf of Jason Whittle
  Medical
  FAYETTEVILLE, GA

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Kim Whittle posted on Facebook Yesterday at 7:53am ·

This is Aubree, she was right across the hall from us. Our families had something in common and talked and gave each other support. She was a beautiful sweet little girl. We were happy to see her go home and will continue to pray for her. Hopefully our day to go home will come sooner than later. 14 days here today, 5 surgeries later, one more Monday, sleepless nights, seeing AJ in pain daily, her anxiety is getting worst, endless tears from us, every parents worst nightmare. And I'm living it just like Aubree's parents. Prayers for us all.


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