Video: Community Rallies Around Columbus Toddler

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-The thought of losing a child is every parent’s nightmare. One Columbus family almost lost their 3 year old son in a near drowning accident back in late March. Now that Russell Humbers is out of the hospital, his neighbors and friends are planning a benefit in his honor.

“I was cleaning a house for a friend of mine and my son wondered off in the back yard. My daughter also fell in she pulled herself out and screamed for me until I got there. I jumped in to save him and I couldn’t find him,” says Jackie Young.

That’s when Jackie Young, ran to a neighbors house to get help. The neighbor was able to find Russell and save his life. For Jackie, that horrible day is still a blur.

“I remember going to the hospital and they wouldn’t even let me see him at first; which scared the crap out of me. I didn’t know if I had my son anymore. It was horrible, It was horrible. I wouldn’t want my worst enemy to go through anything like that. But he’s here…he’s here,” says Young.

Doctors say Russell suffered minor brain damage from nearly drowning. He spent 6 weeks in a Jackson hospital. 2 of those in ICU. Even though he has a long road ahead, Jackie says Russell makes progress everyday.

“Yes, he’s on a feeding tube at home. I’m having to play doctor everyday, but other than that we’ve not had any problems. It’s not any different then taking care of him before. He still helps me put his clothes on everyday he still gets into bed every night by himself, he goes outside and plays during the days he’s still pretty normal,” says Young.

While Russell recovers, his medical bills continue to grow. That’s why people throughout the community are hosting a benefit in Russell’s honor this Sunday at the Columbus American Legion.

Jackie says the support is overwhelming.

“I’ve lived here my whole live so many people jumped out to help that I don’t even know. I’ll probably never meet them a day in my life, but the whole community has been amazing. I want to thank everybody who had a part in saving my son’s life and rescuing my baby and bringing him back to me. Thank you,” says Young.

Russell turns 4, June the 8th. His mother can’t wait to celebrate.

The benefit will be held from 11:30am-5pm this Sunday at the American Legion in Columbus.

If you would like more information on the event click go to https://www.facebook.com/BenefitForRussellHumbers

Categories: Local News

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