Camila Romero of Southern California was taken to the doctor after suffering from a persistent fever for a week. Initially, doctors believed he might have a viral illness, but further tests revealed something more serious.
At her mother’s request, Camila had a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia. During that scan, doctors discovered that a button battery was stuck in his neck.
His mother Cassandra Tafolla said the damage caused by the battery was severe. “It left a hole in his esophagus,” she said. “Where he had a hole is really close to where our lungs separate. From the hole to his lungs, it’s only an eighth of an inch apart.”
Button batteries, also known as coin batteries, are small, flat, circular power cells commonly found in everyday items such as watches, remote controls, key fobs, hearing aids, and children’s toys.
Medical experts warn that these are especially dangerous if swallowed. When the lithium inside the battery reacts with saliva, it can cause a chemical burn capable of destroying tissue in less than two hours.
Doctors at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital were able to remove the battery, but damage to Camila’s throat and upper respiratory tract caused her to go into a medically induced coma.
He has been in a coma for two weeks now and his condition remains critical, with his parents anxiously awaiting further updates. Another surgery is expected to be scheduled in the coming days, pending approval from his medical team.
Her parents said they were never aware of the dangers posed by button batteries before the incident. They are now urging other families to be vigilant and warning that small, shiny batteries could easily be mistaken for harmless objects by young children.
A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover the family’s rising medical expenses and loss of income while they are with their daughter.
Over $16,000 (about £12,600) has already been raised, which is about £17,300, towards the $22,000 goal.
In a message shared on fundraising pageOrganizers said the goal is to ease the financial pressure on the family so they can focus solely on Camila’s recovery.
Supporters have continued to donate and send messages of encouragement as the young girl fights for her life.
