Warning: Graphic images
During a visit to his neighbor’s house in Rolla, Missouri, a 13-year-old boy, Noah, adolescent experienced a horrifying encounter with a neighbor’s dog. Noah, while delivering cupcakes to his friend after his mother’s gender reveal party in March, fell victim to the dog’s relentless assault. The pit bull, which had been secured by a chain, unexpectedly broke loose and lunged at Noah in the front yard, causing severe injuries to his face and neck. His younger sister, who was present at the scene, witnessed the alarming attack.
Noah’s pregnant mother, Julia Poland (33), stepdad Beau Logan (43), and the dog’s owner immediately intervened to restrain the dog and separate it from Noah. However, despite their efforts, the dog managed to break free once more within seconds and initiated a second ferocious attack.
Swiftly, Noah was carried inside the house, and emergency medical personnel were summoned to airlift him to a children’s hospital in Saint Louis, which was located 90 minutes away.
Tara Stone (34), the host of the gender reveal party, promptly drove Noah’s mother, Julia, to the hospital. Upon their arrival, they were confronted with the distressing sight of Noah, his head wrapped in a bandage, and traces of blood staining the floor. Eventually, Noah was admitted for emergency surgery to address his injuries.
Following the devastating attack, Noah, the brave young boy, has already undergone four surgeries aimed at cleansing and stabilizing the affected area, as well as restoring functionality and appearance. The intricate procedures included the meticulous re-mapping of nerves and arteries, along with the initial stages of facial reconstruction. To aid in this process, a skin graft and muscle tissue from Noah’s thigh, as well as nerves from his leg, were utilized.
Despite the tremendous efforts of the medical team, the reconstruction process remains ongoing, and the outcome regarding the restoration of sensation in the right side of Noah’s face and mouth remains uncertain. The complexity of his injuries requires additional surgical interventions, which will be scheduled once Noah has completed his initial treatment. His recovery period is estimated to be approximately six to eight months, during which he will undergo further necessary operations.
Noah’s journey towards healing and rebuilding is a testament to his resilience and the dedicated medical professionals working diligently to provide him with the best care possible. While uncertainties persist, Noah’s determination and the support he receives will undoubtedly play crucial roles in his ongoing recovery and rehabilitation.
The local community has proven to be an invaluable source of support for Noah’s family during this challenging time. The outpouring of assistance from their neighbors has provided a much-needed sense of solidarity and comfort. Additionally, the family has received an overwhelming amount of support online, further amplifying their network of aid.
Tara, Noah’s aunt, recognized the importance of rallying support for her sister and nephew. With a heartfelt desire to contribute to Noah’s recovery in any way possible, she took the initiative to establish a GoFundMe campaign. The campaign has already garnered an impressive response, with donations exceeding $40,000. These generous contributions will greatly assist in covering the costs associated with Noah’s medical treatment and support his ongoing rehabilitation.
The collective response from both the local community and the online community demonstrates the power of compassion and unity during times of adversity. The financial support provided through the GoFundMe campaign serves as a testament to the caring nature of people coming together to help a young boy on his journey to recovery.
