7-Year-Old Minnesota Boy Fighting to Save Eye After Devastating Accident
"The world seemed to tilt on its axis as Beau clutched his face — the severity of the injury was immediately evident”
What began as a typical spring afternoon of yard work turned into a nightmare for a central Minnesota family.
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On Saturday, April 26, 7-year-old Beau Lashinski was helping his parents, Jenn and Jordan, clean up their yard when a freak accident changed everything. A rogue piece of wood, possibly kicked up, struck Beau in the face, piercing his left eye.
“The world seemed to tilt on its axis as Beau clutched his face — the severity of the injury was immediately evident,” the family wrote in a GoFundMe campaign launched on May 8 to help cover medical costs and lost income.
Jenn and Jordan rushed their son to the emergency room in Little Falls. The GoFundMe says that from there, Beau was taken by ambulance to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where doctors performed emergency eye surgery overnight.
Doctors found that Beau had suffered a “globe rupture,” a serious injury that has already resulted in the loss of vision in his left eye. Surgeons spent hours attempting to stabilize the eye’s structure and prevent infection. The operation required more than 25 stitches, and doctors placed a temporary contact lens to protect the eye.
"Initially, doctors weren't sure if the lens was lost at the scene or remained lodged behind his eye," the GoFundMe post states. "Doctors have confirmed that the lens is not lodged in the back of his eye, and they are currently conducting tests to determine if any additional foreign matter is hidden within the blood behind his eye."
Beau’s recovery is far from over. He has undergone multiple ultrasounds and CT scans and faces at least one more surgery. He is currently under the care of a pediatric retina specialist.
“For now, the simple joys of childhood, like riding bike, playing at the park or even returning to school, are on hold,” the GFM campaign, launched by a family member, notes. “And as my cousin Jenn and her husband, Jordan, remain by Beau's side, their ability to work is also significantly impacted.”
The family is hoping to raise $50,000 to help offset medical expenses and lost income. As of the time of this writing, donations are up to nearly $20,000.
“In the face of this unexpected and incredibly challenging journey, we are reaching out to our community for support,” the GoFundMe organizer wrote. “Every share helps us reach more people who may be able to offer support.”
Visit the Lashinski's GoFundMe campaign here.
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Gallery Credit: Joni Sweet
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