PFLUGERVILLE, Texas—A mother in Pflugerville is on a mission to educate families about hazards in their homes. Laurie Rahn’s five-year-old daughter Brooke was severely injured two years ago when she climbed on a dresser and it fell on top of her.
The heavy dresser landed on Brooke’s head and fractured her skull in three places. She underwent life-saving surgery at Dell Children’s Medical Center.
Brooke’s hair had to be shaved for the surgery, and the procedure left a large scar on her head. Her parents comforted Brooke and told her that scar was her princess crown.
“I feel like we were given a second chance with Brooke,” said Laurie Rahn. “You just don't think it can happen to you, but unfortunately, it can happen to anybody.”
Today, Brooke’s hair has grown back and she is a happy, healthy child. Now Rahn is on a mission to educate other parents about the dangers of unsecured furniture tipping over. She created a group called, Brooke’s Angel Wings to raise awareness of the issue. She sells necklaces with angel wing pendants, a reminder of Brooke’s story.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that a child is killed every two weeks from incidents involving furniture in the home. The commission reports that 90 percent of the accidents involve children five years old and younger.
To prevent tragedies, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests anchoring furniture to the wall or the floor, place TVs on sturdy, low bases, and keep toys or other items that might attract children off TV stands or furniture. The Commission also says to install anti-tip brackets on freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves, and to supervise children in rooms where furniture has not been secured.
