California dad fighting for his daughter’s life after her dash to the front door to get a package ends in the ICU

A 3-year-old named Addy Barajas, who lives in rural California, nearly lost her life after an Amazon package was dropped over the gate into her family’s yard. Addy’s mother, Lynn, had gotten her excited about the contents of the package, so when the toddler spotted it, she ran over to retrieve it. Unbeknownst to her, however, a Southern Pacific rattlesnake was coiled beneath the envelope. The snake then bit Addy on her left hand.

According to the New York Post, Addy is now fighting for her life. Reportedly, Lynn immediately called 911, but because the family lives in Santa Clarita, she was instructed to drive to a nearby grocery store parking lot to meet firefighters and paramedics so Addy could receive professional medical assistance as quickly as possible.

Manuel, Addy’s father, said, “Lynn rushed Addy to meet the fire department and ambulance at a nearby grocery store parking lot.” He continued, “Addy received her first dose of antivenom at the local hospital, but had to be transferred to another hospital with a pediatric ICU.”

She had to be transfered

She has since required two additional doses of antivenom and has spent several nights in the hospital, where doctors have continued to monitor her condition closely. In the family’s GoFundMe fundraiser, Manuel explained that he was away on a work trip when the incident happened and had to fly home immediately to be with his wife and daughter during the emergency.

The worst of the medical crisis now appears to be behind them, but the financial burden continues to grow. The fundraiser reads, “Now, we are facing significant medical bills from Addy’s hospital stay, antivenom treatments, and the pediatric ICU. On top of that, I lost about a week of work to be with Lynn and Addy during this crisis, which has added to our financial strain.”

The family is seeking $4,500 and, so far, has raised roughly 52% of that goal. The New York Post reports that similar snakebite incidents have been occurring across California this summer. In one case, a man required 54 vials of antivenom after being bitten twice on the leg by a rattlesnake. The most shocking part, however, was that his medical bill reportedly climbed to $1.3 million.

There was also another man in his mid-20s who was bitten while mountain biking in Irvine. Activities such as hiking and mountain biking have always carried their own risks, but the added danger of venomous snake bites makes those adventures even more hazardous.

There are almost 8,000 venomous snake bites per year

On their GoFundMe page, Addy’s parents wrote that they are asking members of their community to help in whatever way they can. They added that every contribution, big or small, will be deeply appreciated as their family navigates this difficult chapter.

Reportedly, between 7,000 and 8,000 people in the United States are bitten by venomous snakes each year. Fortunately, antivenom and prompt medical treatment are highly effective. According to the CDC, only about five people or fewer die from venomous snake bites annually.