In a heart-wrenching incident, the family of former NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jake Morgan, is mourning the untimely death of his three-year-old daughter, Lily. Tragically, Lily was found last week caught in a mini-blind cord and succumbed to her injuries just days later.
As reported by local news outlets, on November 22, Lily was discovered with a mini-blind cord wrapped around her neck. She was rushed to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, but despite the efforts of medical professionals, two neurological assessments confirmed her brain death. Six days later, her family made the devastating announcement of her passing and their decision to donate her organs.
Lily was the second youngest among five siblings, and her family is leaning on their faith during this incredibly difficult time. A family spokesperson noted, “One of the comforting beliefs in their faith is that families are eternal,” highlighting the strength they find in their community.
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by window blind cords, which claim the lives of over 20 children each year in the U.S. It only takes a mere fifteen seconds for a child to lose consciousness, and within a minute, a life can be lost.
The issue with blind cords is that even when they are secured, there is still a risk of them becoming loose, leading to potential strangulation. And if the cords are cut short, they can still pose a hazard when the blinds are pulled up. The safest option is to eliminate the cords entirely, rendering them useless for lifting the blinds. Instead, using a wand to open and close the slats is a much safer alternative.
In fact, due to the inherent dangers, some companies have ceased selling corded blinds altogether. For instance, IKEA stopped offering corded blinds in January, and SelectBlinds.com transitioned to a completely cordless line this year.
Alternatives to Corded Blinds
If replacing your blinds isn’t within your budget, there are alternatives available:
- You can order cord cleats online for free, which help keep cords out of reach of small children.
- Consider replacing window coverings in specific rooms instead of your entire home.
- Affordable paper blinds that look great are available for spaces like nurseries, and they come in packs of six for easy replacement.
- Ensure that furniture, such as cribs, is kept away from windows and blinds.
Lily’s parents have chosen to honor her memory by donating her organs, a decision that may bring life and hope to others. Her mother shared a heartfelt post on social media, expressing gratitude that Lily would be given a peaceful farewell and could potentially save multiple lives. “The doctors have indicated that her donation could help seven or eight individuals,” a family representative remarked, emphasizing the comfort that comes from helping others avoid a similar tragedy.
In conclusion, this heartbreaking situation serves as a crucial reminder about the dangers of blind cords in homes with young children. For more information on safety measures and to learn about at-home insemination options, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination or explore reputable retailers like Make A Mom for essential at-home insemination kits. Additionally, Parents.com offers excellent resources on IUI and related treatments.