Loved ones remain prayerful days after celebrating what they described as a miraculous recovery thus far for a Minnesota boy reportedly picked up by a stranger and tossed from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America in Minneapolis earlier this month.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the family’s pastor, Mac Hammond, provided a positive update on 5-year-old Landen Hoffman from the pulpit on Easter Sunday.
“Doctors said they found no brain damage — not even any swelling,” he told congregants. “No spinal damage, no nerve damage … doctors are saying it is truly a miracle.”
According to KMSP, the boy successfully underwent a five-hour MRI exam and had been progressing quicker than expected. Though he sustained multiple broken bones, Hammond likened the injuries to a bike crash rather than a fall from nearly 40 feet.
Days later, however, a family attorney said the boy has “an important week ahead, with more milestones to accomplish” after the latest round of medical treatment.
“God’s hand is working,” Steve Tillitt said on behalf of the family. “Your prayers are working.”
Landen “remains in intensive care, under sedation and under close monitoring,” the family said, noting that they are trying to “stay patient” as he slowly convalesces.
“Thank you for continuing to respect our family’s privacy through this unimaginable time,” the statement said. “We remain steadfast in our faith and praise God for his miraculous work in our lives, and for your love, prayers and support. Thank you so much and keep praying.”
As of this writing, an online fundraiser is within $13,000 of reaching its $1 million goal.
Police have arrested 24-year-old Emmanuel Aranda on suspicion of attempted homicide, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
[Featured image: GoFundMe]
