In a devastating turn of events, the family of former NFL player Jake Adams is mourning the loss of their precious three-year-old daughter, Lily. Tragically, she was found entangled in a mini-blind cord last week, leading to her untimely death just days later.
Reports state that on November 22, Lily was discovered with the cord wrapped around her neck. She was rushed to a local children’s hospital but, after undergoing two neurological evaluations, it was confirmed that she had suffered brain death. Six days later, the family made the heart-wrenching decision to announce her passing and their intention to donate her organs.
As the second youngest of five siblings, Lily’s family is navigating this unimaginable loss with the strength of their faith. A family representative shared, “One comforting belief among them is that families are eternal.”
This tragic incident is not isolated—on average, more than 20 children in the U.S. fall victim to strangulation by window covering cords each year. It only takes 15 seconds for a child to lose consciousness, and just one minute can be fatal.
Understanding the Risks of Blind Cords
So what’s the deal with these blind cords? Even when they are tied up, they can still become loose, posing a strangulation risk. If they are cut too short, pulling up the blinds can still leave long enough cords to create a hazard. To truly eliminate the risk, the best option is to cut the cords at the headrail, making them useless for lifting the blinds. Instead, you can use a wand to control the slats for light and privacy.
With such dangers in mind, some companies have removed corded blinds from their lineups altogether. For instance, IKEA stopped selling corded blinds in January, and SelectBlinds.com switched to a completely cordless approach this year.
Alternatives to Corded Blinds
If replacing your blinds isn’t in the budget, there are alternatives:
- You can easily order cord cleats online to keep those cords out of little hands.
- Consider replacing window coverings room by room instead of tackling the whole house.
- There are affordable paper blinds that look great for spaces like nurseries and kids’ rooms; they come in packs of six, making replacements a breeze.
- Keep furniture like cribs away from windows to ensure children can’t reach those hazardous cords.
Lily’s parents’ choice to donate her organs is a testament to their incredible strength. Her mother shared on social media, “Jake and I were filled with gratitude to our Heavenly Father for granting Lily a peaceful passing while also allowing her to save lives.” It’s truly remarkable that they are thinking of others during such a heartbreaking time. According to a family spokesperson, the donation may save as many as eight lives, providing some comfort in their tragedy.
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In summary, the tragic death of little Lily serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by blind cords. It’s essential for parents to take precautions and consider alternatives to ensure child safety at home.