Spencer Wright's 3-year-old son, Levi, has opened his eyes and lifted his head after being declared brain-dead. The family is clinging to hope as medical tests show increased brain activity.
Spencer Wright, a renowned saddle bronc riding champion, and his family are experiencing a glimmer of hope after their 3-year-old son, Levi, unexpectedly opened his eyes and lifted his head on Thursday night. Just days earlier, Levi had been feared brain-dead after falling into the Utah River on a toy tractor.
Levi's mother, Kallie Wright, shared the miraculous update on Facebook. "LEVI WOKE UP! I am shook," she wrote. "We don't know how much, but the doctor said it was okay for me to get excited about that and I AM! My baby is so tough!"
Family friend Mindy Clark, who has been providing updates on social media since Levi's admission to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, elaborated further. "He opened his eyes and tried to lift his head," Clark wrote. "The nurse was in the room and they were telling him how much he loved excavators, and wouldn't you know it, there he was."
Remarkably, Levi's EEG monitor displayed brain activity when his sister spoke to him and when his family played him dinosaur sounds from one of his favorite books. Even his mother's kiss elicited a response.
Days earlier, the family had been devastated by the grim prognosis that Levi's brain damage was irreversible. However, testing performed on Wednesday began to change their outlook. "Our doctor was a little taken aback by her exam as they came in the room to end care. She felt strongly that we needed to give him more time," the family said.
"Now this doesn't mean that in 12 hours we won't be right back in the same position with him in my arms preparing for goodbye but it does mean we have time for a miracle.... Don't give up on my boy just yet."
Levi's accident occurred when he was playing outside his family's Beaver County home and his mother briefly went inside. When she returned, he was nowhere to be found. After a frantic search, he was found floating in the river, and life-saving measures were administered immediately.
Spencer Wright, ranked 40th in the world in saddle bronc riding, and his brothers made history in 2014 when they all qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Wright ultimately won the championship.
The family's ordeal has garnered widespread support and prayers. "We miss our other babies, Mom hasn't spent a night away from baby until now but Brae and Steeley are in the best hands!" Kallie said through Clark, referring to their other two children.
As Levi's recovery continues, the family remains hopeful but cautious. They are grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received and urge others to continue praying for their son.
