A young child was rendered entirely blind after being tossed 15 meters off his motorcycle in a near-fatal accident.
Rowan, the seven-year-old son of Jill and John Gillam, will compete in his debut motocross event in Brisbane in 2020.
However, tragedy struck when Rowan, the first of twenty riders to begin, lost control on a bend in the track at the Fort Lytton Motocross Club and was discovered still in a dry stream bed.
Rowan’s injuries were so severe that a portion of his skull had to be removed in order to relieve the pressure on his brain. The seven-year-old spent over two weeks in a coma.
Rowan, who is now nine years old, also experienced a stroke, which led to his blindness.
Even though Rowan’s life has been irrevocably altered, according to his parents, he has taken it all in stride and has even set his sights on competing in the Paralympics.
Looking back on the terrible accident, Ms. Gillam recalls the throng rushing to the aid of a cyclist, unaware that it was Rowan.
Ms. Gillam told Daily Mail Australia, “I hurried over when I saw other males running and thought, “That’s a bit unusual, I can’t see Rowan, I can’t see him riding.”
He was unconscious and unresponsive.
Rowan was transported to the Queensland Children’s Hospital after frantic spectators called an ambulance as his terrified parents watched in horror.
Ms. Gillam stated, “Rowan had all possible safety gear, and we spent $500 on the greatest helmet; it was like a gift; he got everything brand new before the race, the helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and neck protection.”
Rowan had been riding the track with his father twice a week since he was five years old, and his motorcycle was judged to have no defects.
Rowan was placed into a coma while still in the ambulance after paramedics discovered that his brain was swollen. His mother stated, “it didn’t look good” as a machine measured the pressure in his head over the next few days.
The pressure increased continuously. Then it skyrocketed, and he suffered a stroke,’ Ms. Gillam explained.
Rowan also had a staph infection in his brain because a portion of his skull had to be removed to relieve the pressure.
The Gilliams were terrified for seven days that their son may die.
His parents were told he could wake up as a vegetable, be unable to eat, or go blind as they waited for him to fully recover from his coma.
When Roman was finally able to speak again, he informed his parents that he was unable to see the television.
Tragically, the swelling cut off blood flow to the occipital lobes of his brain, which govern vision, and he went completely blind.
Rowan’s condition gradually improved as a result of the Starlight Foundation’s music treatment.
Slowly, he got out of bed and danced with his mother while holding hands. His favorite song by Justin Bieber was “Baby.”
Soon Rowan was back to his old self, laughing and joking.
Ms. Gilliam stated, “It was remarkable.”
Rowan desired activity despite being required to wear a helmet to protect his brain. A prosthetic was subsequently inserted where a portion of his skull had been removed.
Despite having no vision, the seven-year-old was kicking soccer balls with the rehabilitation squad.
Rowan, now nine years old, refuses to let his infirmities define his life and enjoys physical activity.
Ms. Gillam stated, “He’s gotten a new lease on life, and he does a lot of things he wouldn’t have done before.”
He enjoys dancing and has shed all restraint. He says, “Mother, please look at me!”
“His memory is also excellent; he enjoys learning French and speaks to us in the language. He has mastered braille in a year and works out twice every week.’
Rowan plays soccer with a ball containing a bell, so he is aware of its location.
He is motivated to one day become a paralympian.
Ms. Gillam remarked, “He’s really sweet and considerate, and he enjoys playing with other children.”
Some people could be quite upset after experiencing what he did, yet he is incredibly happy and optimistic, like a perfect child.