On November 9th, 2020, in Huntsburg, Ohio, the happy and healthy three-year-old Jacob Miller, fell into the family pond. Upon seeing him floating on the water, his mother, jumped in to save him. While pulling his life-less body from the water she nearly drowned her self. Jacob, now on the dock, was not breathing so his father began CPR while his mother called 911. In fear the paramedics may have a difficult time finding them, Jacob was loaded into the car. Jacob’s mom and dad met the paramedics at the closest intersection and Jacob was quickly loaded into the ambulance and transported to Geauga Hospital. Paramedics and now the emergency room nurses and doctors continued CPR and lifesaving efforts for the next two hours at the hospital. There were still no signs of life, no breathing and no pulse. After the two hours expired, the doctors had everyone stop working on Jacob and told his mother to come into the room to say goodbye. Jacob's mom came into the room, and before saying goodbye she asked God to please give them one more chance. At this exact moment, his heart monitor went from flatline to a faint pulse. Doctors immediately continued working on Jacob and called for life flight. Jacob was flown from Geauga to Rainbow’s in Cleveland where they were able to get him to a stable condition. Doctors consider Jacob’s survival an absolute miracle. He spent the next six weeks in the PICU and had undergone three surgeries which included a tracheostomy, a G-tube and the extraction of all primary teeth due to extreme tongue biting while neurostorming. He was still alive. Word spread of Jacob’s survival and the wonderful members of the community came together and helped get Jacob pay for a trip down to New Orleans for a special hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The treatment was a major success! Jacob gained control of head and
neck, minor movements in his legs
and arms and was now able to track
with his eyes. He also was able to eat
puréed foods! Jacob is currently doing four
therapies on a daily and weekly
basis. Once a week he goes to
physical, occupational, and speech
therapy. He also receives hyperbaric
oxygen therapy five days a week in
his own home chamber. He has a
comprehensive care team which
provides him with all the much-
needed care and extra supplies he
requires for his daily routine care at
home. Here lies yet another challenge for
Jacob and his family. There are
several therapies not covered by
insurance that could dramatically
change Jacob’s quality of life. Stem
cell therapy would replace the
damaged cells and help with his
cognitive neurological function. There is also, red light laser therapy
helps calm the nerves and heal the
brain at a faster rate. Also, MNRI
focuses on all the motor reflexes
that were lost due to the brain
injury. All these therapies can and
will change the outcome of Jacob’s
life. As a community, we cannot allow
for such a miracle, such a story of
survival, a story of unwillingness to
surrender go unnoticed. Jacob’s
future and his success is OUR
success as a community and our
commitment to help those when it’s
needed most. To all those who saved
Jacob, you are a hero. To all those
caring for Jacob, you are a hero. And
to all those willing to help support
Jacob, you are a hero. Without a
doubt, a three-year-old boy named
Jacob, his survival and his journey is
a Miracle right here in Geauga
County.
