In the first installment I wrote about the devastating injuries suffered by the mother of 4 children all under the age of 5. The 4 girls were also injured as a result of the gas explosion. This is the story of one of the girls, we will call her “L” to preserve her Identity.
At the time of the explosion “L” was 3 weeks shy of her 3rd birthday. She was a vivacious and fun loving child. As a result of the explosion she suffered third degree burns on 90% of her body. She was hospitalized for almost 4 months. As a result of the explosion she suffered severe damage to the optic nerve in her right eye. Her eye was surgically removed and a prosthetic was implanted. She also became blind in her left eye. The doctors surmised that this was a sympathetic response to the injury in the left eye. She is totally blind.
“L” suffers from Keloid scarring on her hands, face and body. She also suffers from contractures. Her range of motion has been compromised due to the extensive scarring. She suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. She is afraid to sleep alone.
We, (Kramer & Pollack, LLP) immediately got the family in touch with the Jewish Guild for the Blind as well as several other organizations that welcomed “L” with open arms. The circumstances she has endured were enormously devastating. But she has a very strong will and a very positive disposition. She now reads and writes Braille. She has excelled in school. She is a poster child for overcoming adversity and although she is very young she is an inspiration to everyone who knows her.