The hopeful family of a Utah rodeo star's son has been "shattered" by disappointing MRI results after the little boy was found unresponsive in a river near his home.
Doctors initially told the family of 3-year-old Levi Wright, son of rodeo cowboy Spencer Wright, that the little boy prognosis was grim. They were hopeful when doctors gave them more news.
But his MRI brain scan was upsetting, according to his mom.
"The MRI wasn't good, we're shattered but it is just images that suggest a certain quality of life. Our real teller of all will be what Levi does over the course of a few days," Levi's mother, Kallie, wrote in a Facebook post.
"I'm not giving up on my baby just yet. I'm working on getting any and all neurologists or other educated professionals with expertise in this area who are willing to view his MRI. Then just seeing what my strong boy does in the next few days," she added.
Levi was rushed to the hospital after he accidentally drove his toy tractor into a river on the family's property. Kallie called 911 and began searching for her son. He was discovered unconscious in the water a mile away from where he initially fell in.
The family has received an outpouring of support, particularly from the rodeo community. Levi's dad is ranked the 40th best bronc rider in the world, according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Bronc Riding Nation — a nonprofit organization that supports rodeo athletes — shared an Instagram post supporting the Wright family on Wednesday.
"We're asking you to join the massive prayer effort for three-year-old Levi Wright, Kallie and Spencer Wright and everybody who knows and loves them," the organization wrote. "Kallie and Spencer were holding him and getting prepared for the worst — then the hospital shift change brought a new doctor to the sweet little boy's side."
Though the Wrights initially shared that Levi's brain had been deprived of oxygen for too long, they received a revised prediction about the boy's chances of survival.
"We have received multiple small miracles along the way and doctors are certainly surprised by the strides he has made," Kallie wrote before the MRI. "He is getting an EEG to monitor any brain activity and we haven't heard much on what they're seeing yet."
She added: "We are unbelievably humbled by the love and prayers we have received, the help in all forms flooding our way is surreal."
