Baby Jonathan Lopez is a child many in southern Nevada are rooting for. The infant is suffering from Shaken Baby Syndrome after police say a child care worker admitted to dropping him on purpose. 8 News NOW visited the child in the hospital.
The 10-month-old is making some progress, following his favorite toy with his eyes. For his parents, this is a big development.
“It’s a good sign of hope. He wasn’t doing it that much before, so now he is,” Jonathan’s father Danny Lopez said.
He and his wife Jessica say doctors told them Jonathan may not see, hear, talk or walk because of brain damage.
Jonathan was hurt last November.
“He did have Shaken Baby Syndrome, and it was something that unfortunately did cause a significant bleed,” Dr. Ben Wong said.
North Las Vegas Police arrested Alejandra Robles for child abuse after they say the daycare worker admitted to dropping Jonathan on purpose, because she was frustrated he kept crying.
Dr. Ben Wong is a pediatric chief resident at University Medical Center.
“Babies are very fragile,” he said. “For me, it’s heartbreaking.”
He’s been caring for Jonathan.
“Unfortunately, I can’t predict how he’ll necessarily do,” he said.
He says the infant will need long-term medical care. He says what he’s noticed so far is dedicated parents.
“I don’t wish this on any family, any parent, any child, especially,” he said. “So, it’s very difficult, but, ultimately, I think he’s in some very, very good hands.”
Danny and Jessica are with Jonathan around the clock. During 8 News NOW’s visit, the baby rested peacefully in his mother’s arms.
“This is why I went into pediatrics and seeing parents that really, really love their kid that much,” Dr. Wong said. “They’ll do anything for them, and it gives me encouragement.”
Jessica says she has quit her job to take care of Jonathan. They have two other children as well. So, the past few months have been challenging for this family.
Jonathan is in isolation to help protect against infection. Dr. Wong says it’s too early to tell what his prognosis will be or how long he will have to be in the hospital.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Jonathan’s parents.
