What to know before you mow

Every parent out there knows how hard we work to do the right thing and to keep our children safe from harm. But despite our best efforts, sometimes accidents do happen. My son Jack, then 3, was out in the yard just a few years ago when he ran to get his dad’s attention, and his foot slid under the deck of the lawn mower — a moment that changed our lives forever.

Jack was transported via ambulance to Children’s Wisconsin where doctors told us the severity of Jack’s injuries, and that there was a chance he might lose his foot altogether. Miraculously, after the fourth of what would eventually be eight surgeries, blood flow did return to his foot and doctors were able to save it. Three weeks after the accident, Jack finally went home.

Lawn mower injuries are nearly 100 percent preventable

I was thrilled when Children’s Wisconsin – through the Kohl’s Cares Grow Safe & Healthy program – asked if we would be willing to share Jack’s story (see video above) to help raise awareness about lawn mower injuries. Did you know that nearly 10,000 lawn mower injuries happen every year? With awareness and education, these injuries are nearly 100 percent preventable. If Jack’s story can save another child from the trauma he went through, we will be grateful.

Jack is now a healthy, energetic 6-year-old boy. He loves sports, and he can participate in all of them — except those that involve direct toe kicking like soccer. You should see him on hockey skates or riding his Ripstick (wearing a helmet and pads of course)!