Mom Fights to Keep Son on Life Support Alive During 16-Hour Power Outage

**Mother’s Heroic Struggle to Save Son During Arizona Power Outage**

In a remarkable display of determination and love, Karen Glaser faced an unimaginable challenge when a power outage struck their home in Coolidge, Arizona, leaving her son, David, in a precarious situation. David, who has been reliant on life support following a devastating motorcycle accident in 2020, was thrust into a perilous predicament as temperatures inside their home soared to a daunting 100°F (38°C).

The incident occurred on 25 July, when the power failed at approximately 2:30 p.m. Karen recounted the chaos that ensued as essential medical equipment, which regulates David’s temperature and assists in his breathing, was abruptly shut down. “His bed was off. None of the backup systems came on. So, I lost everything right away — the pulse oximeter, his oxygen levels,” she explained to a local news outlet.

David Glaser suffered life-altering injuries, including paralysis, after being thrown from his motorcycle and falling more than 30 metres from an overpass during the tragic incident. Despite the grim prognosis delivered by medical professionals — that he would be paralysed from the neck down — David has defied the odds, displaying some movement in his limbs and proving his resilience. Karen has been a steadfast caregiver, documenting moments with her son, including videos of him calling for her, as they navigate the complexities of raising funds for potential stem cell treatment.

As the oppressive heat engulfed their home, Karen’s anxiety grew. With the temperature rising and David unable to regulate his body heat, she realised the severity of their situation. “I got more and more scared,” she admitted. “I didn’t know if we were going to make it.”

Although a cooling centre was available nearby, Karen was unable to leave David’s side. With her phone quickly losing charge and no access to emergency services, she was compelled to act resourcefully. Using soaked rags, she managed to bring down David’s body temperature and manually suctioned saliva from his mouth to prevent choking. Her efforts were desperate but crucial in keeping her son stable during this harrowing time.

As they waited for power restoration, Karen expressed her frustration and desperation. They were registered as an emergency case for power restoration, yet she noted that the estimated time for restoration kept being postponed. “I was a sitting duck here, and I had no way out,” she lamented.

After enduring a tense 16 hours without electricity, the power finally returned, allowing David’s medical equipment to function once again. This reprieve brought an overwhelming sense of relief to both mother and son. “You have no idea how scary that is,” Karen reflected on the ordeal. “This can never happen again.”

The Glaser family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those with critical medical needs during emergencies. In the wake of this near-tragedy, Karen is advocating for better emergency preparedness for individuals reliant on life-support systems. The challenges she faced highlight the urgent need for reliable backup power solutions for those with similar health issues, ensuring that no family has to endure such a critical situation in the future.

Karen Glaser’s fierce dedication to her son’s wellbeing, even amidst dire circumstances, underscores the extraordinary lengths that a parent will go to protect their child. With support from the community, the family hopes to continue their fight for David’s health and wellbeing while also raising awareness of the vulnerabilities faced by families in similar situations. They believe that no one should have to risk losing a loved one due to a lack of power during an unexpected outage.