Tragedy can strike unexpectedly, leaving families to face unimaginable challenges. Sabrina Leavens experienced this firsthand when her son Cody suffered a severe accident at an after-school program just days before Thanksgiving. Instead of preparing for the holiday, she was confronted with the reality that her son might endure a long recovery from what initially seemed like a broken wrist.

Upon arriving at the scene, Sabrina encountered a situation far worse than anticipated. Her son lay on the ground, struggling to breathe, surrounded by emergency personnel. The severity of his injuries became apparent as medical professionals discovered not only a fractured wrist but also catastrophic internal damage caused by a fallen tree. Dr. David Darcy, a pediatric surgeon, explained how the immense weight of the tree had crushed multiple organs, including the kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas, spleen, and left lung. Cody’s condition necessitated immediate airlift transportation to Golisano Children’s Hospital for life-saving surgery.

Despite the overwhelming odds against him, Cody exhibited extraordinary resilience during his lengthy recovery process. Under the vigilant care of a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and specialists, he gradually regained strength and functionality. Although losing his spleen and a significant portion of his pancreas meant lifelong medication, his determination shone through in physical therapy. Today, Cody enjoys activities typical of any child—riding scooters, swimming, and playing with friends. His mother expresses profound gratitude toward the Golisano staff who played a pivotal role in restoring her son’s health and happiness.

Stories like Cody’s underscore the importance of medical advancements and compassionate caregiving in transforming tragedies into triumphs. They remind us of the human capacity to overcome adversity with unwavering support systems. Such miracles inspire communities to rally around those in need, fostering environments where healing and hope flourish together.