In a heartbreaking event, the family of former NFL player Jason Lee is mourning the loss of his three-year-old daughter, Lily. Tragically, she was discovered entangled in a window blind cord this past week, leading to her untimely death.
Reports indicate that on November 22, Lily was found with a mini-blind cord wrapped around her neck. She was rushed to the local pediatric hospital for immediate care, but after two neurological assessments confirmed brain death, her family made the difficult decision to announce her passing six days later. The family has expressed their intention to donate her organs, hoping to bring hope to others during this devastating time.
As the second youngest of five siblings, Lily’s family is drawing strength from their faith. A family representative shared, “In their belief, families are eternal, which brings them some comfort in these dark moments.”
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by window covering cords, which claim the lives of over 20 children annually in the United States. In just a matter of seconds, a child can lose consciousness, with a mere minute being enough to result in death.
The main concern with these cords lies in their potential to become loose even when tied up, presenting a strangulation risk. Shortening the cords doesn’t fully eliminate the hazard, as they can still be long enough to pose a threat when the blinds are adjusted. The safest approach is to eliminate corded blinds entirely, opting instead for alternatives that allow for light control without the danger of cords.
In recognition of the hazards, some retailers have ceased the sale of corded blinds altogether. For example, IKEA made the decision in January to stop offering them, and SelectBlinds.com has transitioned to a cordless model as well.
Safer Alternatives to Corded Blinds
If replacement of blinds is not feasible, there are other safer options available:
- Order cord cleats online to keep cords out of reach of young children.
- Replace window coverings in specific rooms rather than attempting to outfit the entire home.
- Choose affordable paper blinds that can be easily replaced when needed, ideal for children’s rooms or nurseries.
- Position furniture like cribs away from windows to keep them out of reach of cords.
Lily’s parents’ choice to donate her organs embodies their selflessness and desire to help others. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, her mother reflected on their gratitude for Lily’s peaceful passing and the possibility that her donations could save several lives. “Doctors believe she could help seven or eight children,” a family spokesperson noted, highlighting the comfort they find in potentially preventing similar tragedies for other families.
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In summary, the tragic loss of Lily serves as a crucial reminder of the risks associated with window blind cords, urging parents to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of their children.