A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover costs for the family of a two-year-old Hatter who needed surgery after a button battery became lodge in her throat.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
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A Medicine Hat couple is staying in Edmonton while their two-year-old daughter, Abigail Akers, recovers after a button battery was removed from her esophagus or trachea area. The family will stay in Edmonton while they wait for the hole between her esophagus and trachea to heal, says Victoria, Abigail’s mother.
“There was a hole there from the battery and they want it to heal on its own because it’s less invasive than going in there and trying to fix it. So, that’s the biggest reason we’re staying here for 8-10 weeks while she’s in the hospital being monitored so she can heal,” said Victoria.
Victoria and Sheldon Akers took their daughter into emergency on May 3 because she sounded like she had croup, however they sent them home and told them to come back if anything changed. Two days later, they took Abigail to their family doctor who wanted to send them for an x-ray, however the ER doctor figured it was strep throat and took a swab before sending them home.
A week later, the couple knew something was still wrong and it now sounded like Abigail had pneumonia. They took her back to the ER where an x-ray found the button battery. Victoria says going to emergency three times without getting an answer was scary, but when they found out what was wrong, they were terrified.
“We panicked, because I’ve seen the horror story of how this looks so we thought we were about to lose our daughter,” said Victoria.
Victoria says Abigail is doing better now and has even been up and playing with her toys in bed, however she is still unable to eat without a tube.
Victoria and Sheldon say to always trust your gut when it comes to your children.
“If you feel like your child is sick and needs help, advocate for them,” she said.
“Follow your gut and don’t stop until you’re satisfied with the answer you’re receiving,” said Sheldon. “You’re never wrong when it comes to your child, technically, even if you are wrong in your idea of what’s going on, it’s better to know that you’re wrong than to wonder what if.”
The Akers have been in Edmonton for two weeks now and are expecting another 8-10 weeks there. They have a room at the Ronald McDonald House, but Victoria says she stays in the hospital with Abigail. Victoria isn’t able to work, but Sheldon may be able to head back when they have more information on Abigail’s condition.
Jaime Janot started a GoFundMe for the Akers family to help them financially while they’re focused on taking care of Abigail. The fundraising has reached $7,398 of a $10,000 goal as of Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s amazing, I’ve cried a lot,” said Victoria with a laugh.
Sheldon says they’ve always been the type of people to figure it out on their own and that’s what they intended to do. Janot asked if she could set up the GoFundMe for them and they agreed. He adds he didn’t expect it to take off like it did, but they appreciate all the support from the community.
Victoria says the money will help them with bills, getting help for Abigail, paying for Ronald McDonald and groceries. Sheldon says they also are trying to help out at home in the Hat where their six- and eight-year-old children are staying with their grandparents.
Anyone who wants to make a donation to the Akers family can at https://gofund.me/1bdb98e9.
