A Tragic Loss: The Story of a Child's Button Battery Incident and What Her Mother Wants You to Know

A small, shiny button battery, no bigger than a dime, brought unimaginable heartache to a loving family. It claimed the life of 17-month-old Lily Grace Johnson, affectionately known as Lils. Her mother, Sarah Johnson, now dedicates her life to preventing other families from experiencing such a devastating loss.

Misdiagnosed and Missing a Battery

In late October, Lily began to wheeze and lost her appetite. Concerned, her parents took her to the pediatrician, who diagnosed her with croup. They were unaware that button battery ingestion can often be mistaken for this condition. The following day, Sarah noticed a button battery was missing from a remote. Realizing the potential danger, they rushed to the emergency room. “We just needed to confirm it wasn’t there,” Sarah recounted. “Sadly, it was.”

An X-ray confirmed the battery’s presence, and Lily underwent emergency surgery to remove it. After a few days in the hospital, she was discharged on a liquid diet, and her family did their best to adjust. “I remember buying all sorts of liquids for her. She loved to eat, and we were concerned about how she would feel seeing us eat,” Sarah reflected.

However, their worries only intensified. Sarah returned to the ER shortly after, following the surgeon’s advice, suspecting that the battery might have caused serious damage. Another CT scan revealed a fistula—a hole burned through her trachea and esophagus, allowing air and food to travel where they shouldn’t. This discovery marked the beginning of a harrowing journey filled with multiple surgeries, a transfer to a larger hospital, and a team of dedicated doctors. Despite their efforts, Lily’s condition worsened. She coded during treatment, and despite the medical team’s attempts to save her, she passed away on December 17, 2020. “I remember holding her. I hadn’t gotten to hold her before,” Sarah said, her voice filled with emotion.

Button Battery Ingestions: A Common Yet Underrecognized Danger

Button batteries, which are found in many household items like remote controls, toys, and musical greeting cards, pose a significant risk to children. Sarah noted that approximately 3,200 incidents of button battery ingestion are reported annually, but she believes the actual number is likely much higher. “Only 11 percent of ingestions are reported, which means it could be closer to 30,000 each year.”

These ingestions are frequently misdiagnosed, as children may show no symptoms or exhibit symptoms resembling other illnesses. Tragically, it takes only two hours for a button battery to cause severe tissue burns, leading to lifelong disabilities or even death. Sarah emphasizes that parents should rush to the emergency room if they suspect their child has ingested a button battery.

Transforming Tragedy into Advocacy

Recognizing the urgency of her mission, Sarah founded a nonprofit called Lily’s Legacy. The organization aims to raise awareness among parents and medical professionals about the dangers of button batteries, provide financial support to families affected by such incidents, and advocate for legislative changes to prevent future tragedies. One key change they seek is the implementation of secure battery compartments requiring additional steps to access.

“Every day, I think about what Lily would have wanted. That drives me forward,” she shared. Recently, June 12 was designated “Button Battery Awareness Day,” encouraging everyone to conduct a “Button Battery Search and Clean Out” in their homes to ensure batteries are stored safely out of children’s reach.

Sarah also urges parents to support legislative efforts. “When this bill reaches Congress, contact your local representatives and encourage their support. It could save your children, grandchildren… Every voice matters.”

A Spirited Child with a Bright Future

Sarah recalls, “Lily was a spirited child from the very beginning. We were excited to see the impact she would make in this world.” The tragedy of her loss is profound, serving as a reminder of how quickly life can change due to unforeseen circumstances. A seemingly harmless button battery can lead to devastating consequences in an instant.

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Summary

The tragic story of Lily Grace Johnson highlights the dangers of button battery ingestion, often misdiagnosed as common ailments like croup. Her mother, Sarah, has turned her grief into advocacy by founding a nonprofit to raise awareness, support affected families, and push for legislative changes. Parents are encouraged to check their homes for button batteries and to advocate for safety measures.