***WARNING: Graphic image below***
On the night of Oct. 11, the McFarland family’s life changed as their 5-year old son was injured by a burn barrel while in the yard with family.
Sarah McFarland said that her son Jaxon was with his dad as they burned some trash on that Friday night. Jaxon had then asked his dad to put a little gas on the fire, and he told him he would if Jaxon would scoot back.
“When his dad did, somehow the gas can caught on fire and exploded,” explained McFarland, “it caught Jaxon’s coat on fire.”
His dad quickly began administering first aid; he took the jacket off as quickly as he could, then scooped young Jaxon up and took him inside the house to wrap a cold, wet towel around his body.
“They went straight to PRMC ER, that’s where Dr. Jordan and his staff worked amazingly and saved my baby’s life,” said McFarland.
After the initial treatment was administered at the local hospital, Jaxon was then transferred to the Parkland ICU Burn Unit. He has been at Parkland since his transfer, and on Monday, Oct. 14, he was still on a ventilator due to the excessive swelling in his face.
Due to the extent of his injuries, his mom said they don’t know how long he will be there, “we have no time limit yet.”
Since the initial accident, the McFarlands have been rallied around by friends and family. Sarah’s brother set up a fundraiser page to help raise money for the family as McFarland and her husband are with Jaxon for the foreseeable future while he is still in the hospital. Meaning for the family that they are unable to work, and bills will begin to pile up quickly.
The Aaron Parker Elementary student is expected to have a long road to recovery. Although he is still not yet awake, his family has asked if the community could send drawings, colorful cards, and gifts to help lift his spirits up.
“Anything would be awesome; We want his room to be filled full of color when he wakes up. Cards, stuffed animals and drawings would be great,” said McFarland.
She further added that Jaxon loves paw Patrol, Peppa Pig and Thomas for anyone who may not know what kind of card to get if they would like to send one across.
“Thank you, everyone, who has sent prayers and love for Jaxon, “ she added.
Jaxon turns 6-years old Wednesday Oct. 16, and although he will have family by his side, he will not be able to celebrate his birthday like other kids.
If you would like to send a card, drawing or small stuffed animal to Jaxon for when he wakes up, you can send them to:
Parkland Memorial Hospital
ICU Burn Unit
5200 Harry Hines Blvd.
ATTN: Burn Unit-Jaxon McFarland
06-627
Dallas, TX 75235
To donate to the fundraiser, click here
PHOTO: The photo of Jaxon was submitted by his family who gave myparistexas.com permission to share with our readers
