Hartford family mourning loss of young child hopes to educate families on lifesaving efforts, CPR
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — After losing their child at a young age, one Geneva County family is hoping his story can help educate others.
Hartford native Ashton Fischer says that out of her four children, her youngest, John Luke, was one of the happiest and sweetest, and the only thing he knew throughout his life was love.
But when he came into this world, he faced an uphill battle that he sadly could not overcome.
"He could have been completely brain-dead. I would have had to pull the plug on my baby. But instead, he went peacefully in his sleep. A lot of people don't see that as a blessing, but I do because I know that he's safer," said Fischer.
At just four days old—doctors discovered a heart murmur in John-luke. He was then diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot—a rare congenital heart defect.
Sadly, at just two months old, on October 5th, John-Luke passed away.
After attempting to save John-Luke's life by performing CPR, Fischer, who is an EMT, and her husband Jeremy, who is a paramedic, said that losing their child that day opened their eyes to a situation that needed to be addressed.
"We knew what to do. A lot of people aren't educated on CPR. As simple as CPR," said Fischer.
Thankfully, with the help of a family friend, Nick Alford, leading the charge, the three came up with the John Luke Foundation. This organization aims to help educate other parents and the general public on CPR training, how to use an AED device, and much more. The non-profit's main goal is to get people the proper training so that any future infant or pediatric deaths can be prevented.
"Let me start CPR. Let me get that blood flowing. Let me get the oxygen to the brain like I need to and to the heart. It could potentially save a life," Fischer explained to WDHN.
The organization hopes to receive grants and donations to help put out more AED devices. The Fischers say that while losing their child has been extremely tough for them as a whole–it has ultimately strengthened their relationship with god–and brought them closer as a family.
At the end of the day, they want to prevent any more families from having to endure their experiences.
"Even though it's just our baby, this means more than just our baby. God's in the story, and my baby's testimony is going to be magical, and I cannot wait to see it plan out," said Fischer.
While the Fischers want to help educate other families and the general public–they are also hoping the John-Luke Foundation will help educate first responders who are unfamiliar with pediatric cases.
