COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Columbus boy is back home after spending more than a month in the hospital due to severe injuries from an attack by two dogs.
“He’s blown us away at every corner, and it’s been really fun to see his spunk and personality and stubbornness all come back very quickly,” said Rachel Koon, Oscar Koon’s mom.
Oscar, 9, is like many kids his age. He’s a fan of the local sports teams and likes playing video games with his friends. Lately, he’s enjoyed doing that from home. He was recovering at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) for about five and a half weeks. He was rushed there by a Columbus police officer.
“That was a really really long night. It felt like an eternity. The days in the hospital went by quickly, but I mean, just exhausting. And I think we keep wishing this was a dream, this never happened,” Rachel Koon said.
“I think this whole time, Oscar has never seen himself as a victim. He’s a survivor, and he’s strong and resilient and brave, and we knew that about him before. We just get to see that walk out in a different way now,” Rachel Koon said.
While at NCH, Oscar had some special visitors. Ryan Day, Ohio State University’s (OSU) head football coach, Tom Ryan, OSU’s wrestling coach, and the police officer who drove him to NCH all stopped by. Oscar spent his 9th birthday in the hospital, and his friends visited him for a party.
“It was fun,” Oscar Koon said.
The medical team is still figuring out when Oscar’s next operation will be, according to Rachel Koon.
“While we are daily grieving that this happened, while we wish we could take everything back and go back to before, I think it’s just the tangible support and love we have from known and unknown community members that have helped us come out on the other side,” she said.
Oscar, his younger sister, and his parents all left the hospital together a few weeks ago in a car full of new blankets, stuffed animals, and medical equipment. Rachel said the move back home has not been easy, but they are starting to get used to the new normal.
“We’re just constantly in awe of his strength and his bravery, and he’s just refusing to not be himself. So it’s pretty amazing to watch,” she said.
Oscar has been working on his schoolwork at home. He will be back in school with his friends for 4th grade next academic year. The Koons said they are grateful for the love and support they’ve received from both people they know and complete strangers.