We're glad to hear that the newborn boy found at Wilson and Beacon earlier this week is improving physically and DCFS is receiving a lot of adoption interest on his behalf.
We're particularly proud of our Uptown neighbor Brandon Shephard for noting the baby's cries, investigating the situation and rushing the baby to the paramedics at the firehouse. Doctors say that if Baby Wilson had remained outside another couple hours, hypothermia would have gotten the better of him.
Well done, Brandon! And best wishes to Baby Wilson, with hopes he has a happy life with a good family.
UPDATE: The police have released a photo of Baby Wilson in hopes someone can identify him.
Great news. Can the Alderman issue a commendation to a resident for dutiful service to the community?
ReplyDeleteIt's deserved.
Well if this Brandon character is a condo owner he will get no such thing from the Alderbeast. THOSE people cause all of the problems in Uptown, and we can't go giving them medals, even if they did save a baby's life.
ReplyDeleteWe need to hear more stories like this where the good in people is highlighted...especially in this neighborhood. I like knowing that I live next to someone like Brandon who took it upon himself to look into something that didn't seem right rather than just shutting his window and going to bed. There oughtta be at least 2 of him in this world!
ReplyDeleteI used to live right next door to that building.
ReplyDeleteFrom the Tribune:
ReplyDeleteMan who found abandoned baby says he feels changed
Group awards Good Samaritan
By Deanese Williams-Harris | Chicago Tribune reporter
10:59 PM CDT, July 11, 2008
Brandon Shepard first thought the cries he heard outside his Uptown apartment were from "a toy doll or a cat" and continued preparing for his date.
But when he returned from the date early Tuesday and still heard the sounds, he investigated and found a newborn baby, his umbilical cord still attached, hidden in a plastic grocery bag and tucked under a bush in the building's courtyard.
Shepard, 25, said he had been feeling down lately. He had moved to Chicago after he lost his job and has worked at a series of temporary jobs.
But "when I helped that baby, I felt maybe there is a purpose," he said. "It just taught me that I am valuable. I kind of lost that."
Shepard, who was adopted, said he felt a connection to the child as he cradled the infant in his arms.
"I can empathize on a certain level with the baby, even though I wasn't abandoned," Shepard said. "I don't know what's going on with the mother and I won't judge her. But I will encourage all mothers who can't make a decision on their own to let someone else make it for you."
After finding the infant, Shepard tried to get help. But after two pleas went unheard, he flagged down a man who pointed him to a nearby fire station. A 2001 Illinois law extends protection to parents who drop off children up to 7 days after birth at safe havens, which include hospitals, police and fire stations, and emergency medical facilities.
Since 2001, 44 infants statewide have been legally relinquished, said Chicago Fire Department Capt. Bob Martin of Truck 49. However, another 50 were illegally abandoned, of which 24 did not survive, he said.
The infant, who weighed 5 pounds, had suffered hypothermia and was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. A hospital spokesman said the baby is listed in serious condition.
Shepard received a Heroes Award from the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation Friday. "I am happy I saved him because he deserves to live," Shepard said. "I hope he lives to the best of his ability."
Officials are still searching for the parents.
Thanks for posting the story, tjm. I hadn't seen that but it is one of those stories that brighten you day! I am happy that he was recognized and perhaps someday he will happen upon UU and realize that neighbors he doesn't even know feel the same way. BTW-for anyone who doesn't have kids, a newborn does sound like a cat which is why the baby was probably ignored at first. The first week my daughter was with us I had a dream about a cat wailing only to wake up to "nope, you are a mom now---get on the ball!"
ReplyDelete