6-Year-Old Nearly “Cut In Half” By Incorrectly Worn Seatbelt

By
Maryane
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Seatbelts serve the purpose of keeping you safe in case of an accident. They redistribute the force caused by a collision away from vital organs. 

However, many times, using them incorrectly may cause even greater damage than not using them at all. 

“When children are not properly restrained, meaning they are in a lap-only belt, they are in an ill-fitting lap/shoulder belt, or even if they moved the shoulder portion of the seat belt behind them or under their arm (whether in a booster seat or not) to keep it from rubbing their neck, they are at a greater risk of seat belt syndrome.”

Using the seatbelt incorrectly is so common that there is even a term known as a “seatbelt syndrome.” Unfortunately, this is the reason why children may get severely harmed or even killed. 

Such was the case with 6-year-old Samantha Swartwout from Virginia. While she and her father were driving around, he hit a tree and poor Samantha was nearly cut in half. 

Samantha had the seatbelt on, but she wasn’t sitting in a booster sit, so when the accident took place the seatbelt was drawn across her abdomen. 

When her mother was alerted of what had happened, she could never assume her daughter’s injuries were so severe. 

Her doctor, Charles Bagwell spoke of Samantha’s case on NBC12 and described how the inappropriately placed seatbelt made things worse. 

“Where you could see the stripe of the seat belt in an enormous bruise across her abdomen, as well as the fact that the edge, the far edge of the belt, had actually cut through her abdominal wall, and she had protruding intestines from that. She was just about cut in two. Much of which, quite frankly, couldn’t be repaired. The injury was too severe.”

In order to keep her organs inside her body, the doctors had to use “binding” material. 

Speaking of the accident, Samantha’s mom, Martin, says she regrets she didn’t force the girl use the booster sit although she wasn’t in the car that day. 

“A lot of people seem to think that when the children don’t fit so easily in the booster, that it’s okay to take them out of the booster. That’s not the case,” Martin warned.

She believes that many parents don’t realize the dangers of not using booster seats. But what her daughter had to go through should serve as a warning. She hopes no other child will ever suffer such injuries because of something that could be easily avoided. 

“Samantha also moved the shoulder belt behind her. So now the lap belt was carrying twice the force, and because she’s not tall enough without a booster, the lap belt went across her stomach instead of her hips. Doctors call the injury this caused ‘the seat belt syndrome.’”

Samantha now suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and still endures physical pain.  

No matter how much your children complain about the booster seats or having the seatbelt on, don’t ever let them enter the car without having them on. 

 If you want to learn more about the “seatbelt syndrome” check out the video below. 

Woman Caught Assaulting Daughter Because Dad Visits Her at School

By
Monica Pop
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People are left furious after a video of a 36-year-old mother, Angela Armendariz from Texas, assaulting her 9-year-old daughter emerged. The violent woman could be heard cursing and hitting the girl because she let her father visit her at school. Angela and her husband, Jesus Armendariz, are going through a divorce and she doesn’t want him to see the kids so she’s taking it out on the little girl.

Jesus says this wasn’t the first time for Angela to be abusive with the kids. He tried reporting the violence that was going on in the house before but he didn’t have any evidence. Speaking to News West 9 about the incident he says, “The officer recommended me not to look at it because to him it was graphic.” He adds how he believed he was strong enough to proceed, but it was too much for him to handle. 

Currently, Child Protective Services are evaluating how much stress the girl was forced to go through. In the meantime, investigation is ongoing and Jesus got a custody of his daughter while Angela was charged with injury to a child.  

We are so deeply saddened there are people like Angela out there who beat their kids and treat them with disrespect. We honestly hope she will get the punishment she deserves.

Girl is born with severe facial deformities – Doctors perform amazing reconstructive surgeries over the years

By
Monica Pop
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Tony and Theresa Hall were excited to welcome their baby girl into this world. During the nine moths, Theresa was always assured by the doctors that her pregnancy was proceeding greatly and that her baby would be perfectly healthy. However, that wasn’t the case.

When sweet Cody Hall was born, her whole face was covered in tumors as a result of a condition called hemangioma.

Initially, the new parents were told how their daughter’s face would be disfigured her whole life, but that of course didn’t stop them from tirelessly looking for ways to improve Cody’s condition. And, they succeeded. It took long years and numerous procedures, but Cody got the face she always deserved.

Sadly, as she grew up, people made mean comments about Cody’s appearance. The Halls remember how a neighbor once told them to put a bag on their girl’s head. They were saddened by the fact people were unable to look beyond their daughter’s looks and see her true beauty. 

Eventually, Tony and Theresa saved enough money to afford Cody’s first surgery and took her to one of the world’s most renowned plastic surgeons, Dr. David Apfelberg from California. The procedure was very successful as the doctor managed to remove most of the growths on Cody’s face. Although she was left with scars, it was still a great start. 

Next, after her parents saved some more money, they were able to take Cody to Dr. Milton Waner from new York. 

During the period of 14 years, this doctor performed 21 surgeries on Cody’s face, and the final result is astonishing. Those who don’t know her story would never assume she was born with face abnormalities. 

All those procedures cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but it was all worth it. However, it wasn’t just her parents who supported her every step of the way, but also all the people who donated money and made her dream of looking the way she looks come true.

Today, Cody is happy, and she’s living her life to the fullest. Back in 2017, she tied the knot with a person who loves her unconditionally. 

Cody, who now works as a health care support worker, always kept touch with the doctor who changed her life. Dr. Waner sent her a heartwarming message when she got married, and it speaks of the relation the two formed during the years. 

“I am so happy to hear that you’re settled, that you’re married. I wish you and your husband all the best. And please drop me a line from time to time. I really, really enjoy getting a message from you,” he said. 

Cody says he can never thank Dr. Waner enough for everything he has done for her. She even says he’s the second most important person in her life, right after her dad. 

This incredible woman who was able to overcome so much in her life is now a mother of two. Her story is truly inspiring and reminds us that no matter how bad things look, there is always a way, especially when it comes to medical issues, as the medicine and the technology advance every single day. 

Please SHARE this story with your friends and family.

Woman Makes FB Post about How a Young Store Clerk Treated an Elderly Man Who Asked for Help

By
Monica Pop
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The good we do for others can have a deep impact both on those we help and the onlookers who witness our generosity. By doing good, we make this world a much better place. Always keep in mind that no matter how small our act of kindness is, it can go a long way! “I had to share this so everyone could see it! “I was in the Tifton, Ga Publix tonight, when I saw one of the most beautiful scenes unfold before my eyes. A young man, by the name of Roger, was helping an elderly gentleman in a motorized wheelchair; he had the man’s shopping list and was helping him find his desired items. I stood there with another woman who had witnessed all of this and couldn’t hide the immense gratitude I had for that young man, Roger, as I teared up. She said she was coming in when the elderly gentleman stopped the young man, that was hard at work and asked, ‘Are you busy?’ And Roger smiled politely and replied, ‘No sir, how can I help you?’ The elderly man then asked him for his help because he knew it would take him all night to find what he needed and manage to get the items in his cart if he tried to do it alone. “Roger, without hesitating, told him he would be happy to help. There was no agitation in his tone for being interrupted. There was no rush to his walk to make the man feel like he was a burden. He made that man feel important. He was listening to the man talk and made sure to be attentive and answered with respect and manners. As Roger passed me in the aisle, he greeted me with a smile and asked me how my evening was going and proceeded to help the man. It is so rare to see such a young person have such respect for his elders. I had tears knowing that the elderly gentleman was probably happy to have someone help him AND to listen to him. You don’t get this kind of service at just any grocery store but Publix, specifically the Publix in Tifton, Ga. This young man’s act of kindness meant so much to me and I am sure it meant so much to the gentleman he helped.”

84-Year-Old Lady Dressed in Hilariously “Provocative” Outfit Steals the Show at Retirement Home Party

By
Monica Pop
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Some people are born to party and to have fun, and nothing could ever stop them enjoy their life, not even their age. This lovely 84-year-old lady that brought a huge smile on our faces teaches us that we should always be who we are, no matter what other people say.

It was party time at her retirement home and she knew she had to stand out by wearing the fanciest Halloween costume there was. So, she didn’t waste any time before she searched for something unique that she could nail. 

And guess what, she found exactly what she was looking for. A long dress that made her look like she was wearing a revealing bikini. 

Once her dress was there, she couldn’t wait to try it. The illusion was spot on and she was eager to see the reaction of the rest of the residents. 

This incredible lady with a great sense of humor added to her already distinctive appearance by wearing a purple wig. 

She then made her way to the room where everyone else was using her walker. Of course, it goes without saying that many heads were turned. Her friends loved her costume and they showed it by giving her a round of applause for creativity. 

However, thanks to the lady’s daughter, Staci Clemmer, the amazement her mom brought at the residents could be seen at other people too after the video of the Halloween party was shared online. 

More than 14 million people have seen this lady’s creativity, and the comments were positive. They said she rocked the outfit and looked beyond cute. 

We are sure this lovely lady has always known how to find the good at everything because she resembles as though she dances through life. She doesn’t let her age define her happiness, instead, she lets her vibrant personality shine. And that’s awesome, because that way she doesn’t only have fun herself, but makes the lives of those around her a bit more cheerful. 

Don’t ever let you age frighten you. You can always remain young in heart and keep your spirit alive. And if you think that’s not possible, watch this lovely video again.  

Man Died of Coronavirus, Wife Wept for Help as She Was Quarantined With His Dead Body for 30 Hours

By
Monica Pop
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Since the World Health Organization declared the Covid 19 as a pandemic, the number of people affected by the virus causing it increases on a daily basis and no country is spared. The death toll goes up with each passing day, whole countries are on lockdown, and people fear for their life and the lives of their loved ones. 

And as much as we are all highly disturbed by the mass panic that caught with the whole world, horrific stories like the one of an Italian woman whose name hasn’t been revealed reminds us of the severity of the situation. 

According to Fox 8 News, the woman’s husband was tested positive for the virus but refused to be hospitalized. He passed away on March 9, 2020 in his apartment located in the northwestern coastal province of Borghetto Santo Spirito, west of Genoa. Authorities were able to answer his wife’s pleas for help on Wednesday, two days later. Sadly, she couldn’t get any help earlier than that because of the restrictions and nationwide shutdown, so she was forced to spend 30 hours with his dead body, with no one by her side to comfort her. 

It was reported how the helpless woman was seen crying and screaming for help from her balcony. 

“Right now the most important thing is to think about this lady, alone with the body of her husband,” a neighbor told IVG.IT, as quoted by Mirror. “No one can come close to help her nor comfort her. We hope this is quickly resolved. Our thoughts are with her and on what she is living through.”

When asked for a comment on the case, the mayor of Borghetto Santo Spirito, Giancarlo Canepa told CNN, “Yes, it is true she is still there with the body and we won’t be able to remove it until Wednesday morning. Unfortunately, we have a security protocol we must follow.”

The mayor added how this ordeal could have been avoided if the man accepted to be taken to hospital when his test results came positive.

When help finally arrived, his dead body was taken to Milan for an autopsy. The whole experience affected the wife deeply, so she’s currently getting psychological help. 

 

Many countries are doing their best to fight this virus that’s spreading further and further. Schools have been locked around Europe and the U.S. and people are asked to follow recommendations that would help overcome the situation as soon as possible.

Gang Members Attack and Humiliate a Veteran – His Reaction Leaves Them in Awe

By
Monica Pop
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Many times during our lifetime, we come across people that hurt our feelings and treat us with disrespect. The thing is that these kinds of individuals will always be there, but it’s up to us to decide how we will handle that situation. Will we answer back with rage and disrespect, or will we show kindness instead? If you ever wonder what the right thing to do would be, please read the following story. Carl was a quiet man. He didn’t talk much. He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake. Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well. Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us. He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII. Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII, he may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity. When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister’s residence, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up. He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened. He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked, “Would you like a drink from the hose?” The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, “Yeah, sure,” with a malevolent little smile. As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl’s arm, throwing him down. As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl’s assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled. Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him. Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn’t get there fast enough to stop it. “Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?” the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet. Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head, “Just some punk kids!” I hope they’ll wise-up someday.” His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water. Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, “Carl, what are you doing?” “I’ve got to finish my watering. It’s been very dry lately,” came his calm reply. Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different time and place. A few weeks later the three returned. Just as before their threat was unchallenged. Carl again offered them a drink from his hose. This time they didn’t rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water. When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done. Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering. The summer was quickly fading into fall Carl was doing some tilling when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him. He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches. As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack. “Don’t worry old man, I’m not gonna hurt you this time.” The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl. “What’s this?” Carl asked. “It’s your stuff,” the man explained. “It’s your stuff back, even the money in your wallet.” “I don’t understand,” Carl said. “Why would you help me now?” The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. “I learned something from you,” he said. “I ran with that gang and hurt people like you. We picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it. But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn’t hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate.” He stopped for a moment. “I couldn’t sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back.” He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing what more there was to say. “That bag’s my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess.” And with that, he walked off down the street. Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago. He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather. In particular the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn’t know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church. The minister spoke of Carl’s garden as a lesson in life. In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, “Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden.” The following spring another flyer went up. It read: “Person needed to care for Carl’s garden.” The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister’s office door. Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. “I believe this is my job, if you’ll have me,” the young man said. The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl. He knew that Carl’s kindness had turned this man’s life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, “Yes, go take care of Carl’s garden and honor him.” The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done. During that time, he went to college, got married, and became a prominent member of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl’s memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it. One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn’t care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, “My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she’s bringing him home on Saturday.” “Well, congratulations!” said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. “That’s wonderful! What’s the baby’s name?” “Carl,” he replied. That’s the gospel of forgiveness in Jesus shining from one man’s heart to another. “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

Daughter Regrets Losing Patience With Her Old Mom During Shopping

By
Monica Pop
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When we are younger, especially during our teenage years, we tend to get into conflict with our moms. That’s because we believe we know everything and refuse to accept their advice on how life really works. Later on, however, we realize that no other person in this world is able to give us so much love and unconditional support the way our moms do. We also realize that we should never argue with them ever again but cherish their presence in our life as much as we can. A few years ago, when my mother was, visiting, she asked me to go shopping with her because she needed a new dress. I don’t normally like to go shopping with other people, and I’m not a patient person, but we set off for the mall together nonetheless. We visited nearly every store that carried ladies’ dresses, and my mother tried on dress after dress, rejecting then all. As the day wore on, I grew weary and my mother grew frustrated. Finally, at our last stop, my mother tried on a lovely blue three-piece dress. The blouse had a bow at the neckline, and as I stood in the dressing room with her, I watched as she tried, with much difficulty, to tie the bow. Her hands were so badly crippled from arthritis that she couldn’t do it. Immediately, my impatience gave way to an overwhelming wave of compassion for her. I turned away to try and hide the tears that welled up involuntarily. Regaining my composure, I turned back to tie the bow for her. The dress was beautiful, and she bought it. Our shopping trip was over, but the event was etched indelibly in my memory. For the rest of the day, my mind kept returning to that moment in the dressing room and to the vision of my mother’s hands trying to tie that bow. Those loving hands that had fed me, bathed me, dressed me, caressed and comforted me, and, most of all, prayed for me, were now touching me in the most remarkable manner. Later in the evening, I went to my mother’s room, took her hands in mine, kissed them and, much to her surprise, told her that to me they were the most beautiful hands in the world. I’m so grateful that God let me see with new eyes what a precious, priceless gift a loving, self-sacrificing mother is. I can only pray that some day my hands, and my heart, will have earned such a beauty of their own.
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