I continue to follow the story of little Tripp Halstead and his loving family. The above photo was taken of Tripp the day before his injury. If you haven’t heardTripp’s story, please check it out. The short version is that he was involved in a tragic accident at his day care when a tree branch fell and hit him in the head, resulting in a severe brain injury (TBI).

Although I have been practicing personal injury law in Illinois and Missouri for 11 years now, and have learned more about children with severe injuries than I ever wanted, I have learned so much from little Tripp. I have learned what “storming” is following a traumatic brain injury and how horrible it can be for parents and family to watch.

Recently, tripp has been placed in an upright position to help his feet and legs remember how to walk. He has been wearing casts on his feet and hands to help his feet and hands remember how to hold certain positions. He has swallowed liquid and even turned his head (huge news!). I am amazed by the strength of his parents who have refused to leave his side, who have refused to blame the day care workers who couldn’t have known this would happen, who have refused to give up hope.

Let’s continue to rally around this little guy and his loved ones. Because their state of residence doesn’t require day cares to carry insurance, this family is not receiving an insurance payout. You can imagine how expensive the medical care is and will be, even with insurance. You can also imagine how this toddler needs his parents with him to help him get better. Please donate so that Tripp’s mother can focus on her little boy and stay with him at the hospital, and not have to return to work right now to pay the medical bills.

Happy holidays to Tripp and his family!

Lindsay Rakers, injury attorney