MOCKSVILLE, N.C. — What was meant to be a day of snowball fights and sledding for the Huggins and their friends turned the white snow day into deep wounds and a dark memory.
“We went from mom mode to nurse mode and we started triaging injuries,” said Jordan Abendroth.
Jordan Abendroth has been friends with Pattie and Mark Huggins since grade school and now their kids hang out together.
Only last Saturday’s gathering was different– the kids were hurt.
The Huggins son and daughter Jaxson and Lexi crashed their sled into a tree.
Lexi had minor injuries while Jaxson’s wounds were far worse.
“He became pale and really when he became pale and sweaty his mom and I realized this is super serious and we need to do something fast,” Abendroth said.
5-year-old Jaxson was in the ICU for days.
“Fractured ribs, fractured hip, broken femur, broken leg and a lacerated spleen,” Abendroth said.
Abendroth said Jaxson’s surgery went well but he’ll be in a wheelchair for at least 4 weeks.
Friends of the Huggins who call themselves ‘The Crew’ built a wheelchair ramp for the family.
“Anything to relieve them of stress or anxiety the transition from hospital to home is going to be difficult,” Abendroth shared.
Abendroth said Pattie and Mark are holding up well, but this freak accident has impacted their lives in a way they weren’t prepared for.
“It’s sledding it’s suppose to be fun it’s suppose to create happy childhood memories,” Abendroth said. “This accident has rocked our world.”
Abendroth said they hope Jaxson will get to go home for his birthday on the 22nd–so they can give him a home-coming party.
They’re also raising money to help pay for medical expenses. If you’d like to support click here.