Staff Writer
ASHLAND – Devin Whitmore, the 2-year-old who was struck by a vehicle Sept. 2, continues to amaze family, friends and the medical staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where he was taken for treatment following the accident. Given a slim chance of survival by doctors when he arrived due to severe head trauma, the toddler is now beginning to talk, recognizes loved ones and has begun physical therapy.
For his mother, Denise Whitmore, last Wednesday proved to be a very special day with her son.
“It was the first time I got to hold him since he’s been at the hospital. It was my birthday, Sept. 10, so I got to hold him on my birthday. It was wonderful,” said Denise.
According to Denise, Devin is “coming right back.”
“He’s magnificent. Today he answered doctors. When they asked where mommy was, he said ‘here.’ He understands. He looks around the room, holds everyone’s hands,” said Denise, in a phone interview Sept. 16.
Therapy has begun for the 2-year-old, beginning what doctors estimate to be a three- to six-month road to recovery, after which he’ll be able to go home.
“He has therapy three times a day, has had a regular bath in a tub. He gets tired from therapy but is doing great. We get to take him for stroller rides around the floor. He’s trying to hold his head up more,” explained Denise. “Every day he’s doing something new – has a big smile now.”
It’s been over a week since doctors removed Devin from the ventilator. He’s also on fewer medications.
“He’s on a few medications for feeding purposes – to make sure food is processed properly. But he really isn’t on many medications now,” said Denise.
Denise said it’s not just family and friends who’ve been thrilled with Devin’s progress. She said doctors can’t believe how well he’s doing, considering his condition when he arrived two weeks ago.
“The doctors said when he came here he wasn’t going to make it. Now they call him the little superhero,” she said.
Denise credits the many prayers people have said for her son’s improvement.
“Prayers have definitely made a difference. I think that’s one of the biggest reason the little guy came through. We’ve had prayer groups from Canada to Florida praying on his behalf,” said Denise. “We’ve received cards after cards – all now hanging in his room.”
The family is grateful too for the support from those in their hometown of Ashland.
“Ashland has been wonderful. I never want to be anywhere else in the world. The whole town has pulled together for one little guy. Everyone’s really stepped up,” said Denise.
Town Manager Jim Gardner said that’s just what a community should do when one of its members is in need.
“We have a great community. Many of the businesses have put out collection jars for the family. There have been a number of fund-raisers planned,” said Gardner. “We’re a community and we help each other, that’s just what we do.”
A bean hole bean supper and Family Day is planned for Saturday, Sept. 20, with proceeds benefiting Devin Whitmore. Denise plans to return to Ashland this weekend to personally thank as many people as possible for their support.
“I’m coming home Saturday to give everyone at least three hugs each. We can’t thank everyone enough for all they’ve done and continue to do. We have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving – the biggest thing being our little boy is still here and getting better every day,” said Denise.
Anyone interested in sending cards, letters or donations to the family can do so by mailing: Gary Whitmore, 905 Presque Isle Road, Ashland, ME 04732.
