In a sad turn of events, the family of former NFL star Mark Sullivan is mourning the loss of his sweet three-year-old daughter, Mia. Tragically, Mia was discovered entangled in a mini-blind cord recently and passed away shortly after.
As reported by Local News, Mia was found with the cord wrapped around her neck on November 22. She was rushed to Children’s Hospital in Springfield for treatment, but after two neurological tests indicated brain death, her family made the heart-wrenching decision to donate her organs six days later. Mia was the youngest of five siblings, and her family is leaning on their faith during this devastating time. “Their belief in the eternal nature of families has provided comfort,” said a family representative.
This heartbreaking incident underscores an alarming reality: over 20 children in the U.S. lose their lives each year due to window covering cords. It takes just fifteen seconds for a child to lose consciousness, and one minute can be fatal.
The issue with blind cords is that even if they are tied up, there’s a risk they can become loose. If cut too short, they can still pose a danger when blinds are adjusted. The only foolproof method for ensuring safety is to eliminate the cords altogether, which means cutting them at the top so they can’t be used to lift the blinds. Instead, you can operate the blinds using a wand for adjusting light and privacy.
In fact, the dangers associated with blind cords have led some retailers to stop selling them altogether. For instance, IKEA made the decision to discontinue corded blinds this past January, and one of the leading online sellers of custom window treatments, ShadeAway.com, has switched completely to cordless options this year.
If replacing your blinds isn’t in your budget, there are still alternative solutions:
- You can get cord cleats online at no cost to help secure cords out of reach of curious little hands.
- Consider replacing window coverings in select rooms rather than tackling the whole house at once.
- For your child’s room or nursery, inexpensive paper blinds that look great and can be easily replaced are available.
- Ensure that furniture, like cribs, is positioned away from windows to keep children safely out of reach of blinds.
Mia’s parents chose to donate her organs, a decision that will bring hope to others. Her mother shared on social media, “We are forever grateful that Mia can help save lives.” A family spokesperson noted, “With this donation, she could potentially save up to eight lives, which brings some comfort to them during this unimaginable time.”
In a heartbreaking yet inspiring moment, this family’s choice to think of others amidst their grief serves as a poignant reminder of hope and resilience.
For more insights on navigating parenthood, check out our post on home insemination techniques or visit Make a Mom for authoritative advice. If you’re looking for helpful information about pregnancy, Healthline is an excellent resource.
Summary
The tragic death of three-year-old Mia Sullivan serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by window blind cords, which claim the lives of over 20 children in the U.S. each year. In their grief, Mia’s family is finding solace in their faith and has chosen to donate her organs, potentially saving several lives in the process.