In a remarkable display of bravery, a Los Angeles father has lost his foot in a heroic attempt to save his young daughter from an out-of-control vehicle. Jordan Stannard, 38, has been hailed for his courage after the incident on a busy Los Angeles street, which resulted in significant injuries but, thankfully, no harm to his two-year-old daughter, Sadie.
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Stannard was loading Sadie into his car following a grocery shopping trip in Venice when disaster struck. As he was securing his daughter, he noticed a GMC truck speeding towards them after colliding with another vehicle. In a split-second decision, Stannard managed to push his daughter into the safety of the car just moments before the truck struck him.
“I literally just threw her into the car,” Stannard recalled in an interview with ABC7. “I remember the truck fully hitting my body and twisting me around.” The force of the collision was devastating, with the impact causing severe injuries to his left foot.
The traumatic event occurred at the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Reports indicate that the truck had crashed into a Mercedes SUV, sending it careening into Stannard. Following the accident, he was transported to UCLA Medical Centre where healthcare professionals worked to treat the extensive damage to his foot and ankle. Despite their best efforts, the injuries were too severe, leading to the amputation of his left foot.
In the aftermath of his life-altering injury, Stannard remains remarkably upbeat, expressing gratitude that his daughter was unharmed. “As I get further away from the accident, I’m just more and more thankful for that,” he said, visibly overwhelmed with emotion. “I can’t even begin to think of what could have happened to her.”
To support Stannard and his family during his recovery, a GoFundMe page was established, which has raised over £110,000. The fundraiser highlights the immense challenges the Stannard family faces, including their need to relocate from their three-story condominium to a single-story home to accommodate Jordan’s medical needs. “We are actively searching for housing options… but this is a daunting process during an already overwhelming time,” the GoFundMe description stated.
Stannard’s resilience is evident, not only in his attitude but also in his aspirations for the future. A former athlete, he is determined not to let this injury impede his ability to care for his daughters. He has set his sights on competing in the Los Angeles marathon next year as part of his recovery journey.
“I have a responsibility to my daughters to be the best dad that I can be,” he stated. “I never want them to say, ‘Dad got in an accident and he was never the same. Dad got hurt and he’s been angry ever since.’ There’s no room for feeling bad for myself or being angry.”
As the Stannard family navigates these trying times, they are bolstered by the community’s support, which has rallied around them. The GoFundMe page and messages of encouragement reflect the heartfelt sympathy and admiration for Stannard’s selfless act in the face of danger.
This story of courage and familial love serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Although this harrowing incident will undoubtedly change the lives of Stannard and his family, his positive outlook and determination to rebuild will likely inspire many in similar situations.