1-Year-Old Indiana Boy Returns Home from Hospital After Falling into Pool, but 'Long Road of Recovery' Remains
The boy, identified as Ayko, had life-threatening injuries as he was taken to the hospital after a pool accident on May 3
GoFundMe
A photo of Ayko, a 1-year-old Indiana boy who fell into a backyard pool on May 3, 2024, and was later hospitalizedAn Indiana toddler is now home from the hospital a week after he fell into a backyard pool and was fighting for his life.
According to Indiana authorities, and per incident records, the 1-year-old boy, identified as Ayko, fell into the pool in Evansville on May 3, the Kansas City Star reported.
In a GoFundMe page established for Ayko’s family, the boy’s mother administered CPR before he was taken to a local hospital and then later transported to Louisville to see several neurologists.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson said at the time that Ayko had life-threatening injuries, per NBC affiliate WFIE.
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“As of today (5/4), his vitals are improving, but he is still sedated,” Colleen Watters, the GoFundMe organizer, wrote. “They are actively monitoring his lungs and brain activity, but will undoubtedly have a long road of recovery ahead of them.”
In a May 5 Facebook post via the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office account, the boy’s parents, identified as Alex and China, shared an update on Ayko: "Ayko is making positive progress. He is a very strong baby, and we know he isn't gonna stop fighting until he is back home with us. Please keep praying for our boy, he needs all the strength he can get.”
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They continued: “All proceeds [from the GoFundMe] are going to go to medical bills for Ayko. We plan to use any extra that we don't need to start a foundation in Aykos' name for families in our situation "
Fortunately for Alex and China, a miracle happened as their boy returned home on Friday, May 10, Watters later wrote in an update in the GoFundMe.
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“Alex & China wanted me to share a huge THANK YOU to all the first responders and medical staff that made this possible,” Watters wrote. “They also shared with me this morning that they intend to use any money left over from the gofundme to start a foundation in honor of Ayko to help educate the public & spread the importance pool safety, CPR training and swimming lessons.”
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Watters concluded the update by saying, "God is so GOOD! Welcome home Ayko!”
The GoFundMe organizer also wrote that in addition to Ayko, the couple has two other children.
PEOPLE contacted Watters and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office for additional information, but they did not immediately respond.
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