August 15, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
A 4-year-old Cannon County child, seriously wounded in a dog attack almost a week ago is improving.
Meredith Smith, daughter of Trey and Mary Wells Smith of the Gassaway Community, was airlifted to Erlanger Children’s Trauma Center in Chattanooga last Wednesday, August 9 after being mauled by a dog which did not belong to the family.
According to the family’s GoFundMe page, Meredith “suffered extensive bite injuries to her legs, arms, back, neck, and head on both her face and her scalp. Over the next several weeks, she will need various emergency treatment followed by other long-term care. She began a first surgery on August 9 at around 7:00PM EST after being Life Flighted.”.
In a social media post Monday evening, Meredith’s mother updated her condition.
“As unspeakably grateful as we are that Meredith’s face is healing and she’s getting back to her old self, most of you have probably figured out by now they’re not keeping her here because of her face. The majority of the muscle tearing is from the waist down. We hit another major milestone today: Taking steps with a walker. Unfortunately, her wounds are so extensive she can’t yet even wear a hospital gown, so her physical therapy and — all of the things — are all still au naturale at this point. It’s hard watching your child have to re-learn how to walk (I almost lost it mid-session, to be honest), but progress is progress. Tomorrow the goal is to walk more with the walker and then figure out how we’re going to shower/bathe her in a position she can maintain and withstand. Thank you again to all for prayers, those of you coordinating meals, helping me brainstorm adaptive clothing ideas, coming to visit—it’s overwhelming”.
This fundraiser is starting at $10k but may be increased should additional needs arise. Please consider donating to this family as they face this crisis. Updates will be posted to https://www.gofundme.com/f/meredith-smiths-medical-expenses-dog-attack