Boy, 11, Suffers Stroke After Soccer Ball Accident on Playground
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An 11-year-old boy in Louisiana is on the road to recovery after experiencing a stroke following a tragic accident at school. Cole Ditmore was playing in the school playground six months ago when he was struck by a soccer ball. The impact of the ball caused a marker he had in his mouth to be shoved into the back of his throat, leading to a series of unexpected events. His mother, Angelina Frazier, initially thought he may have had a concussion and rushed him to Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth Hospital for evaluation.
Doctors discovered a small puncture hole in Ditmore’s throat from the marker and observed symptoms indicative of a stroke. As he was being examined by an ENT specialist, Ditmore began experiencing slurred speech, facial muscle drooping, and difficulty moving his left arm – classic signs of a stroke. Acting swiftly, medical professionals immediately initiated stroke protocol and transferred him to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Institute, where he spent four days in the Pediatric ICU.
It was later revealed that the marker lodged in Ditmore’s throat had compressed his carotid artery, leading to the formation of a blood clot that triggered the stroke. In an interview, Ditmore recalled waking up in the hospital and asking his parents, “Am I going to die?” His mother, Frazier, expressed her uncertainty at the time about her son’s chances of recovery, but she remains grateful for the quick actions taken by medical staff.
Since the incident, Ditmore has shown significant progress in his recovery, undergoing six months of physical therapy and other treatments to regain his health. Despite the progress, he continues to face challenges, including restrictions on sports and physical activities due to being on blood thinners. Expressing hope for the future, the resilient 11-year-old shared, “I’ve been trying my best to get back to my normal self. I don’t know if I can, but I hope I can.”
The family’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life’s circumstances and the importance of prompt medical attention in critical situations. The incident has highlighted the resilience and determination of young Ditmore as he continues his journey towards recovery. The support and care provided by healthcare professionals at Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth Hospital have played a crucial role in his ongoing healing process.
As the community rallies around Ditmore and his family during this challenging time, it serves as a testament to the strength and unity found in times of adversity. The boy’s story also sheds light on the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming unforeseen challenges. With each day, Cole Ditmore progresses on his path to recovery, supported by the love and unwavering care of those around him.