05 March 2024 , 00:07
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A family that has already been fighting for their toddler's life is now fighting to keep their home after a tornado ripped the roof off.
The destruction of their home in an extreme weather condition comes as they dealt with baby John's health condition. At just 15 months old, John has been diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney failure due to Bilateral Kidney Dysplasia.
Jennifer Cosby, her husband Seth Cosby, and their four children, Emma, Abby, Colt, and baby John, have been left dealing with the damage from the storm. The tornado completely tore off their home's roof, rafters, and trusses. The home is currently unlivable.
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Cosby family dealing with desperately ill toddler has roof ripped off by tornado (Lexi Crisp/GoFundMe)"We come to you with heavy hearts and an appeal to help support the Cosby family, who recently experienced a devastating tornado that damaged their home and left them without a roof over their heads," says their GoFundMe.
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"Adding to their immense burden is the health condition of baby John. At just 15 months old, John has been diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney failure due to Bilateral Kidney Dysplasia."
"Despite the challenges, John has been approved for a transplant with Nationwide Children’s, and the family eagerly awaits his anticipated active date of March 22. In the meantime, John is dependent on a Gtube for all nutrition, requiring constant care and attention," continues the description on the fundraising site.
According to the family friend that wrote the appeal to the public, the ceilings of the rooms remain intact but water damage plagues their living room and kitchen. With water leaking in, the situation is getting worse.
The family is unsure if the home is salvageable and is currently dealing with insurance to assess the extent of the damage.
The parents of the five children, Seth and Jenn, are well-known in their community. Seth has ten years of service as a police officer for the Springfield Police Department and almost five years as a firefighter/paramedic with the Springfield Fire and Rescue Division. He has also served in the Army National Guard.
Jenn, with thirteen years of experience as a nurse, currently works part-time as an administrative assistant for a tax and accounting firm. She took the part-time job to be available for baby John’s numerous medical appointments and procedures.
At least five other storms in Ohio were confirmed as tornadoes — in Montgomery and Greene counties in southwestern Ohio; east of Columbus in Franklin and Licking counties; in Hilliard in Franklin County; east of London in Madison County and ending just south of West Jefferson; and near Springfield in Clark County. The latter was rated at EF-2 strength.