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Family struggles to help child recover

05/01/2008 06:37 PM

By: Jennifer Moxley

CHARLOTTE -- Cabarrus County parents are turning to an alternative therapy, hoping it brings back the little boy they nearly lost to an accidental drowning. He now has severe brain injuries after being found face-down in a pond, having been without oxygen for at least 45 minutes.

Aidan Wright’s parents want to continue the 2-year-old’s therapy at home, but they are struggling to pay for it. Part of the therapy is putting Aidan in a hyperbaric chamber. “What we’re doing is we’re taking oxygen -- concentrated, compressed, under pressure -- and we’re giving it to his brain,” said Rebecca McCall with Alternative Health Solutions.

The hope is that by giving him oxygen in the chamber, parts of Aidan’s brain will come back.
“He's fighting, he's still in there and we hope and pray that we can get him out of there,” said Russell Wright. He lost his job five days before the accident, so the family is on Medicaid. As the oxygen treatment is considered an alternative therapy, insurance doesn’t cover it.

Aidan being held by father Russell.

The Wrights say the treatment is needed regardless.

“Lack of oxygen to your brain, treat it with oxygen instead of pumping more medical chemicals into your body,” stated mother Erin.

McCall is donating her time and services, but the Wrights want to buy a chamber of their own so their son can get more treatment. No matter the stress or financial burden, they say they won’t give up.

“If you had something like this happen to [a loved one], wouldn't you do the same thing,” asked Russell. “I mean wouldn't you go to the ends of the Earth to make sure he was alright?”

The hyperbaric chamber costs about $25,000 and so far the family estimates they’ve raised $9,000. A golf tournament to raise money is scheduled for June 14 at Rocky River Golf Club.