In a heartbreaking turn of events, a small button battery, no larger than a dime, brought devastation to a loving family. The life of 17-month-old Ava Grace Mitchell, affectionately known as Ava, was tragically cut short, prompting her mother, Jenna, to advocate for greater awareness and safety regarding button battery ingestion.
Misdiagnosis and the Discovery of a Missing Battery
In late October, Ava began to wheeze and lost her appetite. Her parents took her to the pediatrician, who mistakenly diagnosed her with croup—a common misdiagnosis for button battery ingestion. The following day, Jenna noticed that a button battery was missing from a device at home. Realizing the potential danger, they rushed to the emergency room. “We just needed to make sure it wasn’t there,” Jenna shared during a phone interview. Sadly, an X-ray confirmed that the battery was indeed lodged inside Ava.
Emergency surgery was performed to remove the battery, and Ava was discharged a few days later, placed on a liquid diet as they awaited further checkups. “I remember going to buy all sorts of liquid food for her,” Jenna recalled. But their concerns quickly escalated when they returned to the ER, as doctors feared the battery had caused internal damage. A CT scan revealed a fistula—a hole through her trachea and esophagus—which created severe complications for Ava.
Tragically, despite multiple surgeries and efforts from her medical team, Ava’s health deteriorated, leading to her untimely passing on December 17, 2020. Jenna’s memories of that day are hazy, yet one moment remains clear: “I remember holding her. I hadn’t gotten to hold her before.”
Raising Awareness on Button Battery Dangers
Button batteries are small, circular batteries commonly found in household items like remotes, games, and greeting cards. Jenna emphasizes that around 3,200 cases of button battery ingestion are reported each year, but believes the actual number may be closer to 30,000, as many incidents go unreported. Symptoms of ingestion can often mimic other conditions, making diagnosis challenging.
It takes only two hours for a button battery to inflict severe tissue damage, potentially resulting in lifelong disabilities or even death. Jenna stresses that parents should seek immediate medical attention if they suspect their child has swallowed a button battery.
Transforming Grief into Advocacy
Recognizing the need for increased safety measures, Jenna founded a nonprofit organization called Ava’s Purpose, aimed at educating parents and medical professionals about the dangers of button batteries. The organization also seeks to enact legislation that would require secure battery compartments to prevent access by children.
In June, a day was dedicated as “Button Battery Awareness Day,” encouraging families to inspect their homes for these hazardous batteries and keep them out of reach. Jenna urges parents to support legislative efforts that could protect future generations. “When the time comes for this to go to Congress, reach out to your local representatives,” she implores. “It could save lives.”
Ava’s Spirit Lives On
Jenna fondly remembers Ava as a spirited child with a zest for life. The tragedy of her loss is a stark reminder of how quickly things can change. It serves as a wake-up call for all parents—button batteries, though seemingly innocuous, can pose a significant risk.
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Summary
The tragic story of Ava Grace Mitchell highlights the dangers of button battery ingestion, often misdiagnosed as common illnesses. Her mother, Jenna, has dedicated herself to raising awareness and advocating for safety legislation to prevent similar tragedies. By sharing her story, Jenna hopes to protect other families from experiencing the same heartache.