18-Month-Old Dies After Swallowing Button Battery

Reese Hamsmith died more than a month after swallowing a button battery. What initially resembled a cold turned out to be symptoms directly connected to the ingestion of the battery. Eventually the 18-month-old suffered from a fistula, or a hole that ran from the esophagus and through the trachea. Reese died on Dec. 18, 2020, and now her family wants to spread awareness to make sure that the same thing doesn’t happen to other children.

[tiddlywinks]

I think it's incredible that she noticed the battery was missing. Something so small... And she acted immediately on it. But too much damage had already been done so fast. She was was truly a great mother to Reese. I hope she finds peace.

[SUN_]

Her child didn't pass in vain. She's saving other child's lives by sharing this story.

[joannsmith]

I don't know how I would survive the death of a 18-month old daughter to such a freak accident...Stay strong.

[okayyeah]

“She’s not here, but she does still have a purpose”. Deepest words I’ve heard ❤.

May the Lord comfort you so much.

[specificocean]

When I was a kid, I had also swallowed a button battery. My brother immediately knew and I was taken to the ER. The button passed with no issues. Never knew how dangerous they were until I watched this. May this angel Rest In Peace.

[johnbarber]

Her lying on the bed looking at her mom was the saddest thing I've ever seen in my life ...

[shawnparsons]

I’m a 14 year old boy and I cried to this I’m usually a tough boy but with these type of story’s I cry but I’m not fully developed yet but I just wanted to share that I cried.

[wheelchairgeek]

These parents acted in ways that were a lot more reflective and urgent than many other parents would have. They were excellent parents. Sorry for your loss.

[SisiYemmieTV]

This completely broke my heart. No idea button batteries were so dangerous 😢

[n..t]

“ i realized it was my kid “ That hit deep. May God heal this poor women’s heart.

[psychicsaphieling]

I am so sorry for your loss. It's so easy for a kid to grab something and put it in their mouth when your back is only turned for a second. It's how I wound up eating a penny when I was little despite the fact my mom always watched me like a hawk and usually caught me things like that. Fortunately, it was harmless for me.

You did a wonderful job as parents in how vigilantly you responded and in even noticing the battery was gone at all when a lot of parents would've never caught it. You gave that little girl the best chance she could've had even if fate had other plans. I hope in the time since you recorded this you've found more comfort as a family.

Thank you for sharing this story. The fact you'd be willing to talk about something so painful for the chance to educate other parents and hopefully save other children absolutely shows your character.

[cakebake]

You can see how devastated the mom is… I can see how hard it must be for her to lose her own daughter at just 18 months. I hope Reese finds peace.

[jogirl]

Seeing her daughter look at her in that hospital bed with that sad and scared look on her face as I’m sure she was and wanted to just be in her mommas arms where she felt safe just utterly killed me inside. I could NOT imagine. It just makes me want to pick her up off that bed and hold her tight. God please comfort this family, they need you. Rest high baby girl❤️

[starshowers]

As a mom, it always makes my blood run cold to see someone grieving their child. Things can happen so quickly. Anyone blaming them should be ashamed of themselves

[sweetgrannybuns]

I’m so sorry for your major loss. Reese was a beautiful baby girl. Yes, there was a plan for Reese & a purpose for you & your family, too. Thank you for this important info that so many of us weren’t aware of. I’ll be passing it on. Prayers for you all.

[THEASOLUTEMURDERDRONEDESTROYER]

This made me cry, I’m not a mother (I’m 11) but seeing what people go through is so sad to me. I’m wishing the very best in Reese’s family. God bless their souls. ❤

[Frenite]

I can’t imagine the pain this mother is going through. The fact that she’s going out and doing everything she can to ensure this never happens again is extremely commendable. Hopefully she can find some comfort during this awful time.

[mariesmalls]

She knew things wouldn't be ok. She was grieving and missing her mommy...telling her good-bye through her eyes. Any nurturing mother can read that look. Gut wrenching

[Machina]

3:21 is just heartbreaking. My heart goes out to you and your family.

[ritchijoker]

Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a family. After watching the video I just started crying. The pain of the parents cannot be put into words. My deepest sympathy from Germany. R.I.P little girl.