'Parent's worst nightmare': Support pours in for Calgary boy who nearly drowned in B.C. river
A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family of a nine-year-old Calgary boy who nearly drowned in a B.C. river earlier this month.
Laura Bishop is organizing the fundraiser on behalf of Matthew Warren, the father of young Paul-Angelo Warren, who remains in hospital in a medically induced coma.
According to Bishop’s description, the GoFundMe is to support the Warren family during a “parent’s worst nightmare”
“In an instant, a summer family vacation became a fight for a little boy’s life,” wrote Bishop online. “Nine-year-old Paul-Angelo Warren of Calgary nearly drowned while swimming in the Shuswap River on Aug. 3.
“After being trapped underwater for more than five minutes, he was rescued thanks to the heroic efforts of nearby strangers. Today, Paul-Angelo is fighting for recovery in the ICU at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, surrounded by his family.”
GoFundMe
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP announced that police were called to reports of a missing child at W.J. Tuey Regional Park in Enderby on Aug. 3 around 2:45 p.m.
Police reports added that a child was presumed to be underwater and failed to surface after family members briefly lost sight of him.
One of the numerous bystanders who began to search the waters for the nine-year-old located the submerged child, who was pinned against fallen deadwood by the Shuswap River’s currents.
The child was then brought to shore, where bystanders, including a doctor and nurses who happened to be at W.J. Tuey Regional Park’s beach, began CPR until an ambulance arrived on scene.
W.J. Tuey Regional Park (Enderby & District Museum & Archives)
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP added that it is unknown how long the child was underwater, but it may have been as long as five to 10 minutes.
“This tragic incident highlights the dangers surrounding all bodies of water,” said the detachment’s Cpl. Tania Finn in a release.
“Ensure personal flotation devices and extra care are used, especially around moving water, as there is an increased risk associated with downed branches and other obstacles.”
GoFundMe
At the time of reporting, the GoFundMe had raised over $17,000 of its $30,000 goal.
The funds raised will go towards supporting the Warren family as they focus on their son’s recovery away from home.
“Paul-Angelo’s mother has had to stop working as a home care aide and self-employed residential cleaner to remain by his bedside, while his father has been out of work for several months without any employment benefits,” wrote Bishop.
“The family is sleeping wherever they can, with Mom and his brother staying at the hospital and Dad sleeping in his truck so they can remain close to Paul-Angelo. In the weeks ahead, they will also face high costs for travel, accommodations, meals, lost income, and eventually medical transportation back to Calgary when Paul-Angelo is well enough to return home.”
GoFundMe
An encouraging update was also shared in the GoFundMe recently.
“Angelo’s lungs are getting stronger each day, and we pray he will soon be off his ventilator. He continues to squeeze his parents’ hands when asked… all very encouraging signs.
“Most of you don’t know Angelo, and you still chose to help a stranger in need. You are making an incredible difference for the Warren family.”