Updated: Sept. 10, 2017
Originally Published: Dec. 1, 2016
Tragedy has struck the family of former NFL star Jake Thompson, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles. His lively three-year-old daughter, Lily, was found entangled in a mini-blind cord last week, leading to a devastating outcome.
As reported by Today, on November 22, Lily was discovered with the cord wrapped around her neck. She was rushed to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, but after two neurological assessments confirmed brain death, her family sadly announced her passing six days later and their intent to donate her organs. Lily was the second youngest of seven siblings, and her family is finding solace in their strong faith. “One comforting belief in their faith is that families are eternal,” shared a family spokesperson.
This heart-wrenching incident is a grim reminder that such tragedies are more common than we might think. On average, over 20 children in the U.S. fall victim to strangulation by window covering cords each year. It takes just 15 seconds for a child to lose consciousness, and one minute can lead to a life being lost.
The problem with blind cords is that even when they’re tied up, there’s still a risk that they can come undone. If they are cut too short, they can still pose a danger if the blinds are pulled up. The safest option? Cut the cord at the headrail so it’s completely unusable for lifting the blinds—just use the wand to open and close the slats instead.
The danger of blind cords has prompted some companies to eliminate them altogether. For instance, IKEA stopped selling corded blinds in January, and SelectBlinds.com has gone fully cordless this year.
Alternatives to Corded Blinds
If replacing your blinds isn’t in the budget, don’t fret! Here are some alternatives:
- You can order cord cleats online for free, helping keep cords out of reach of little ones.
- Consider replacing window coverings in select rooms rather than the entire house.
- Opt for inexpensive paper blinds that look great in kids’ rooms or nurseries—each box comes with six, making replacements a breeze.
- Keep cribs and other furniture away from windows to reduce access to blinds.
In a touching act, Lily’s parents decided to donate her organs, offering hope to others. Her mother shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing gratitude that Lily would have a peaceful passing and could save lives through organ donation. “Doctors have mentioned that she might save seven or eight lives,” a family spokesperson revealed. The thought of helping others in their time of grief is a testament to their incredible strength.
Further Reading
For those looking for more information on family planning and the journey of parenthood, check out our other blog posts, such as this one on the importance of preparation. Additionally, for those interested in improving fertility, Make a Mom’s guide offers excellent tips. And if you’re exploring donor insemination, the American Pregnancy Association is a fantastic resource.
Summary
The tragic death of three-year-old Lily Thompson highlights the hidden dangers of blind cords, reminding parents to ensure their homes are safe for children. With statistics showing that over 20 children are strangled by window cords annually, it’s crucial to either eliminate cords or find alternatives to keep kids safe. Lily’s family is turning their grief into hope by donating her organs, potentially saving several lives.