Kameron Swaab, who has nine siblings, celebrated his third birthday in the hospital while recovering from facial injuries.
A 2-year-old Iowa toddler, who was viciously mauled by a neighbor's dog, is healing at home after spending a week in the hospital. Kameron Swaab suffered facial injuries after he was violently attacked by a dog last month while playing with the dog, according to a GoFundMe page set up by a family friend to help with medical expenses. He was admitted to the hospital, a day after the incident, with a fever and an illness caused by the bite.
"Thankfully Patrick was only a few feet away when he heard the dog growl and Kameron scream," the boy's mom wrote describing the incident in her Facebook post. "Throughout this terrible event Kameron remains in the best of spirits with his spunky laugh, his love for dinosaurs, and receiving lots of cuddle time from his Mom," Ellie Altman, who set up the GoFundMe on behalf of Kameron's mother Sara Swaab, wrote in the fundraiser.
‘Spunky’ 2-Year-Old Iowa Boy Hospitalized After Being Attacked by Neighbor’s Dog https://t.co/U4rPDwPmDG
— People (@people) May 31, 2023
"Patrick and Sara would take the shirt off their backs to help out the next person which is why this is difficult for them to post. If you feel compelled to reach out and bless this family with your prayers, financial generosity, or offer to drop by a meal— any little bit helps," Altman wrote about the toddlers' parents.
During his hospital stay, Kameron was given painkillers and stitches, reported PEOPLE, and was strong throughout. "Kameron is one tough cookie," writes Altman. Kameron, who has nine siblings, celebrated his third birthday while in the hospital. "We were hoping to celebrate him today but his little body is working so hard to heal [that] he has been sleeping most of the day," an update on the GoFundMe from May 27 by Kameron's mom, Sara Swaab, states. Sara also stated that Kameron's fever remained about 103 degrees Fahrenheit "even with IV meds."
Kameron was released from the hospital the next day, on May 28. "Next steps for his medical follow-ups are unclear at this time but the family is excited to be together under one roof," an additional update on the GoFundMe reads. "His family is beyond thankful for the prayers, financial contributions, and check-ins over the last 7 days," the fundraiser stated, thanking all the donors and well-wishers.
‘Spunky’ 2-Year-Old Iowa Boy Hospitalized After Being Attacked by Neighbor’s Dog - People https://t.co/tWZBA4C2PI
— Curtis D. Hutcherson (@hautahbuhgee) May 31, 2023
The family has been asking for support since Patrick, Kameron's father and the primary earner in the family, has been staying home to watch the family and even Sara has been unable to work since the hospitalization. "As Patrick and Sara continue to stand by their son, supporting and caring for the rest of the family this creates a financial burden and a mental toll for all," the GoFundMe read, asking people to help as much as they can.
References:
https://people.com/spunky-2-year-old-boy-hospitalized-after-being-attacked-by-neighbor-s-dog-7506103
https://www.gofundme.com/f/84kwv-help-the-swaab-family
Cover Image Source: GoFundMe
