HOPE4JD

Overview
Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years.1

How big is the problem?
- In 2007, there were 3,443 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) in the United States, averaging ten deaths per day. An additional 496 people died from drowning in boating-related incidents.1,2
- More than one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.1 For every child who dies from drowning, another four received emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.1
- More than 55% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments require hospitalization or transfer for higher levels of care (compared to a hospitalization rate of 3-5% for all unintentional injuries).1 These injuries can be severe.
- Nonfatal drownings can cause brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (e.g., permanent vegetative state).

Statistics from: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Water-Safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html

October of 2008 my precious cousin, JD Hartman, was involved in a near drowning accident. We are so eternally grateful to God for allowing JD to survive the accident but his life, his family's life and many other lives have been forever changed. As we continue to rest on the shoulders of Christ during JD's recovery we also remember that not every child is able to return home as JD did. We continue to keep victims of drowning accidents in our prayers and close to our hearts as well as raise awareness for those who may not realize the hurt and pain water can bring to a child and family.

Feel free to stay updated as John and Beth, JD's parents, follow God's will in what is best for JD and his increasing progress. Tears of sadness and joy have been shed over the years but we serve a trusting and faithful God who has purpose and good in every situation. We have chosen to have hope in the promises of God and will be forever grateful that through JD our God's love, glory and grace can be shared with all.

Follow the HOPE4JD webpage at: http://www.hope4jd.com/ From the website you can clink on the "blog" link to follow the caringbridge website of JD's story.