WESTON, Wis. — An 8-year-old central Wisconsin boy who survived a lightning strike to the head last month is adjusting well since being discharged from the hospital.
Blake Draeger doesn't have any lingering fear of lightning and he even enjoyed a recent fireworks show. Doctors told the family he isn't expected to suffer any permanent damage, but they're still keeping tabs on his second-degree burns, lingering high blood pressure and unusual kidney activity, the Daily Herald Media reported (http://wdhne.ws/17XuupA ).
Blake came home from the hospital Thursday to find a house full of cheering family members, friends and neighbors. In honor of his return people released balloons with copies of his story attached.
"My family was all here for me," Blake said. "(The best part) was having a big celebration and letting the balloons go."
Blake was struck by lightning while bicycling through a field on June 26. Both of his ear drums were ruptured, his eye lenses were scratched and a quarter of his body received second-degree burns.
His father, Chris Draeger, performed CPR on the way to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was later transferred to the burn unit at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, where he was put on life support and hooked up to a feeding tube.
Despite the severity of his injuries, he recovered at a rate that stunned his doctors, Chris Draeger said.
Blake isn't expected to suffer any permanent damage. His doctors told his family that if his ear drums don't heal on their own, minor surgery can correct any issue. His burns are also expected to heal without leaving scars.
