On a hot day this past June, Robbie and his brother Liam were with their father at a nearby community pool. Robbie’s mother, Nicole Wood, was on-duty working as a first responder and trusted her boys would be safe.

Nicole told us that the boy’s father, her ex-husband, reportedly left 3-year-old Robbie and his 7-year-old brother Liam alone in a jacuzzi at a nearby community pool while he left to smoke a cigarette. Liam witnessed Robbie go under the water but tragically wasn’t aware his little brother needed to be saved.

“When asked where his brother was, Liam pointed him out under the water. Liam later told me he did not know that we can’t breathe under water,” Nicole told us. “So all of this is now a very big learning experience for myself, as well as my son.”

Thankfully there was someone at the pool who played a huge part in saving Robbie’s life.

“There was a registered nurse there, thank god,” Nicole recalls. “She started CPR right away. And from the police report there was an off-duty officer also present who helped do 2 to 1 CPR, so that was beneficial for Robbie.”

Studies have shown that drowning is the leading cause of death for boys ages 1 through 4. Thankfully, after Robbie was pulled out of the water, there were experienced good samaritans nearby, but although they were quick, Robbie unfortunately spent a significant time under very warm water depriving his brain of necessary oxygen.

After 27 days in the hospital in intensive care, Robbie was discharged to go home. Robbie was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia, cortical blindness, and global brain damage. Nicole told us her son has lost the ability to verbally communicate and can no longer sit up unsupported. However, he remains a happy child who lights up any room he enters.

Nicole, a dedicated single mother and selfless first responder, is giving her all to make ends meet. Navigating the challenges of supporting two kids solo is demanding, especially when one of them is a pediatric brain injury survivor needing a constant stream of special equipment and therapy—often expenses not covered by insurance.

“Robert has no medical equipment at all,” Nicole confided in us. “I’ve been trying for the past six months to get the insurance company to approve a wheelchair for Robert so that I can take him places without him being so uncomfortable.”

Nicole also mentioned her desire for a Firefly GoTo chair which would allow Robbie to sit in many places not intended for kids with physical impairments like him.

Thanks to our amazing community of supporters who understand the hardships families like Nicole’s endure after a child suffers a severe pediatric brain injury, we were able to purchase Nicole and Robbie a new adaptive stroller and a specialized seating device to give them options when traveling outside the home.

“Thank you so much for helping my family,” Nicole wrote to us. “Thank you for helping my son and giving him the chance to eat with his brother at the table and to play games with him on the floor. I never would have imagined Robert would ever be able to do this again!”

While it’s hard to find a positive in situations like this, Nicole has risen to the occasion and started a campaign to make others aware of her son’s story in hopes it will help another family one day.

“Liam and I are spreading Robbie’s story everywhere,” Nicole proudly told us. “We are getting involved with the local police and fire department, so we can contine to tell Robbie’s story and spread awareness out there.”

We are only able to continue to help kids recovering from brain injuries with your personal support. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift directly to our foundation today. You can donate safely here.

Make sure to visit us on Instagram to see video of Denise using the new chair at home.

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