Family credits Niswonger Children’s Hospital for saving son from amputation after serious accident

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Pritchard family's world changed in an instant in April 2024 when their youngest son Emmett was hurt in a lawn mowing accident. The family soon learned just how meaningful and valuable the Niswonger Children's Hospital can be. "The doctor came in and said face-to-face, 'your son has been in a serious accident,'" Emilee Pritchard, Emmett's mother, said. The accident caused severe damage to young Emmett's foot. But thanks to the quick care of doctors and staff at Niswonger Children's Hospital, the damage was limited. "The best part of our story is, Emmett went to undergo a below-the-knee amputation and we were all just so defeated that day because we all worked so hard to save as much of his foot and leg as we could, and that day, the doctor called and said, 'I don't know what happened, but he necrosim and infection is gone. We don't need to do the amputation.'" Today, after nearly 2 years and 18 surgeries, Emmett is an energetic 4-year-old boy. "It's been amazing to see him do things that at one point we didn't think he would be able to do," Tyler Pritchard, Emmett's father, said. "It's just been amazing." The youngest of 5 siblings, Emmett has dreams of playing sports just like his brothers and sisters. "He loves playing basketball, my brother coaches football, so their is a passion for football, he loves playing with balls, LEGOs, he's just an all-around boy," Emilee said. A young boy's dreams were made possible with a family's love and the experience and compassion of the professionals at Niswonger Children's Hospital. "You hope you never need it, but if you do, you are surely thankful that it is here," Emilee said. The Niswonger Children's Radiothon, which raises funds for the hospital and its operations, returns on Thursday and Friday. The event begins at 7 a.m. both days, and viewers can donate by calling 855-611-KIDS (5437) or by visiting NiswongerChildrensRadiothon.org.