It is so heartwrenching to see a child go through what I went through 11 years ago. My C1 and C2 vertebrae were broken in a side impact crash. A drunk driver slammed into my drivers side door going between 65-70mph (estimated) and there were no brakes. The Jaws of Life were used to extract me from my vehicle. The drs wanted to do a fusion surgery on me, but I was sooo hesitant. I was 20 years old and would walk about with a stiff neck for the rest of my life...it scared me. BUT what scared me even more was the fact that the broken space between my C1 was large enough to move a small finger through freely. They debated about a HALO, but said I would still likely have to have the fusion surgery. My microneurosurgeon was PHENOMENAL with me. He ended up offering up the SOMI brace (which isn't feasible at your grandson's age). I wore it for 164 days, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It was by a miracle (so says my dr and myself) that I actually healed from my broken neck. One of the people that inspired me to do more for spinal injuries was Christopher Reeve. He and I had a 'bond' with our injuries. I was blessed enough that I didn't have any paralyzation.
I have used my first hand experience to talk to people about
ERF. I did so with my child until he was a little passed 2 years old and outgrew seats in height and weight If I were in a financial position, I would import seats from other countries to keep my children RFing as long as possible. I, too, desire the capability of keeping children RFing as long as possible. My almost 6 y/o asked me all the time if she could 'face backward' and I desire it as well!
My heart truly goes out to you, Joel and your family. My family and I have been in your situation and it is painful. I will keep Joel in my prayers for healing and restoration.
One praise I can say is that I have NO side effects or problems with my neck. Of course, I won't be going out for the US Gymnastics team anytime soon, I can still do all the things I love.