White County first responders who helped save a toddler’s life in March visited her at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Tuesday to see her progress.
Ari is the child that White County Sheriff’s deputies Wesley Vandiver and Jaileen Brown rushed to help after receiving a pediatric drowning call on March 5, according to WRWH News. The deputies performed CPR until firefighters arrived to continue lifesaving efforts.
Fire Captain Jody Holland, Assistant Chief Josh Taylor, and firefighters Trace Swoszowski and Terry Stewart traveled to visit Ari and her parents, Hannah and Patrick Day. It was the first time they’d seen each other since that frightening day. A social media post by White County Public Safety described the reunion as emotional and filled with gratitude.
Ari’s recovery continues at Children’s Healthcare, where she is surrounded by her family and medical staff.
Bringing Ari home
Ari’s grandmother, Lucretia Roberts, says preparations are underway to bring Ari home. She says the toddler will require around-the-clock care.
Roberts set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for Ari’s transition from hospital to home. This includes building a ramp to access the house, modifying the living room for her to stay in, cabinet storage for all her medical supplies, and a therapy area.
Roberts says Ari’s parents “have started a new chapter in their lives that brings both joy and fear.” She adds that any amount donated will help ease their stress. “In God’s embrace, they will conquer these difficult times.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the first responders who visited the Days posted, “Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her caregivers throughout this journey. We look forward to the day we welcome Ari back home to White County.”
Dean Dyer of WRWH contributed to this report
