On June 18, 2025, my 7-year-old daughter Penney Padgett was involved in a devastating lawnmower accident in our backyard. She was airlifted to Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville, PA, two hours from our home, and is currently in the pediatric ICU. Penney underwent emergency surgery to assess the extent of her injuries and clean her wounds. Her left foot suffered multiple fractures, including a fully broken and partially detached toe, and she now has pins and wires stabilizing the bones. She also has a large wound on the underside of her foot that cut through tendons, nerves, and soft tissue, which will require several surgeries and likely a skin or flap graft. On her right leg, a section of her shin bone is missing due to the accident, resulting in significant blood loss and the need for a transfusion. She also has a deep cut across the front of her right foot. Tomorrow, Penney will begin reconstructive surgery to address the missing bone, and we are unsure how many more surgeries will be needed.
Our family is facing a long and uncertain recovery. After her surgeries, Penney will need extensive physical and occupational therapy to help her regain the ability to walk. She will be going home in a wheelchair for at least 1-2 months before transitioning to a walker, with the hope of eventually walking independently. The costs are overwhelming: medical bills, travel and food expenses for the hospital, trips home to see our 4-year-old son, and the medical equipment Penney will need once she is discharged. Any support will go directly toward these urgent needs and help us focus on Penney’s recovery during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for keeping Penney in your thoughts and for any help you can provide.
