On Dec 8th, 2022, minimally verbal Autistic, Otter thought at 3 years old he was a big boy and decided to remove his bowl of Ramen noodles from the microwave by himself. His Mom was just feet from him but he was much quicker than her when he grabbed the bowl and dumped it on him, burning his face, chest and arm.

Mom immediately reacted, removing his clothes, and placing him in a cool shower, Nana coated him with burn ointment and Papaw gave him pain meds. Mom and Nana rushed him to the nearest emergency department where he was then transferred via ambulance to the closest burn unit. He was admitted for 8 days, where he underwent daily dressing changes, had skin harvested from his leg, and had skin grafts attached to his chest and arm. He was in the Operating room on 2 separate occasions during this hospital stay, because meds like Ativan or Versed didn't knock him out like it does most people. He's a tough little guy for a 3-year-old.

His mother is a divorced mother of 2 that has been off work, first, her 6 year was sick with something, then he had something and then, of course, she got whatever they all had. No, she has no help, well besides her parents. She does get $400 court-ordered child support, if you've raised a child you know how far that goes. It doesn't.

At Otter's check-up yesterday 12/27, we were informed that they are concerned about his grafts failing. They aren't looking like they want them to look at this point. She will be off for at least 2 more months, due to the therapy he has to have to hopefully save these grafts. I will be posting some very graphic pics. So if you can't handle graphic, I suggest you not look.

His face thankfully did not require grafts and is looking better every day. He has to wear sunscreen and a hat anytime he is outside though. And I don't think his Santa hat is going to fit that bill. (see pic below)

The funds will be to help her cover the 5-hour round trips back and forth to his doctor visits and cover her while she is off work. And we've been informed that the two customized shirts they are having made for him that are $350 each. will more than likely be denied by his insurance. The therapist said they always deny it and they will appeal it, but couldn't promise they would cover them. This doesn't surprise me in the least, they denied paying for his medication when he was released from the hospital. That's okay, Papaw and Nana got that baby boy covered.

Prayers are always appreciated and shares too.

We also have a Group on FB Otter and Family.