'Strong little boy’: Mum pays tribute to toddler bitten three times by taipan
A Queensland toddler bitten by one of the world’s deadliest snakes is continuing his brave battle, completing rehabilitation in hospital as he continues on his long road to recovery.
Two-year-old Eli Campbell was bitten three times on September 26 by a taipan while at his family home in Agnes Waters.
His parents Giles Campbell and Brittany Cervantes have posted an update on Eli’s condition on their Go Fund Me page, which was established by a family friend soon after the snake bite occurred.
Eli with his mother Brittany at the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital. Source: Go Fund Me.
"Giles and I are constantly battling memories of the past of our energetic, playful, hilarious, sensitive but strong little boy," Ms Cervantes wrote.
"They creep up on us at times during his sessions when we see our boy limp in someone's arms as they carry him from bed to his stroller and while songs are being sung that he would normally sing along to.
"I trust that there is fight in Eli, Giles and I see glimpses of our boy in that little body every day."
The heartbroken mother wrote the next step was for Eli to gain strength and control of his head and neck muscles.
The toddler will also have to relearn how to perform the most basic of tasks including sitting up straight and even swallowing.
Eli. aged two, was bitten three times by a taipan. Photo: Supplied
Eli Campbell was with his mother, Brittany Cervantes, feeding their chickens when he was struck by a taipan. Photo: 7 News
Earlier in the month his father admitted it was unclear what his two-year-old son Eli's disabilities will be exactly, but he and Brittany were hoping for miracles.
Mr Campbell said Eli suffered from significant swelling on the brain and was largely immobile following the bite that occurred inside the family’s chicken pen.
Mr Campbell said his family was under no illusions about the long-term ramifications.
"We know this boy of our's will need some care for the rest of his life, how much will be up to him and the best rehabilitation we can find ... and yes we still hope for miracles," he wrote.
"We may have to relocate to Brisbane.
Eli is now out of ICU at the Lady Cilento Hospital and suffering from brain damage. Photo: 7 News
Brittant Cervantes and her husband Giles Campbell are expecting their second child. Photo: 7 News
"We will possibly need our home converted for his disabilities but what those will be we have no idea."
Snake experts have said Eli is lucky to be alive following the bite as the coastal taipan is among the six most venomous snakes in the world, and children are far more susceptible to their bites.
Dan Lynch from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers believed Eli may have even accidentally stood on the snake considering it struck him three times.
A coastal taipan. Photo: Dan Lynch
Richie Gilbert ran the free demonstration to raise money for Eli's family. Photo: Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7
Mr Campbell said he had been a total mess since Eli was bitten and paid tribute to his partner, who is currently pregnant.
"(She) has been the one pillar of strength that has kept me going," he said.
He also thanked the public for its support and donations, saying it would help his little boy so much.
A Go Fund Me page to aid Eli's recovery has so far raised more than $64,000 over half the amount they are hoping to raise.
What we know about the deadly coastal taipan
It is the third most venomous snake in Australia, behind inland taipan and eastern brown, and among the sixth most deadly in the world.
People rarely encounter the shy and elusive reptile as it's more likely to flee than bite
Professional Queensland snake catcher Wayne Cameron died after being bitten by a coastal taipan in April
About 3000 snake bites are recorded in Australia each year but there has been a rise in the number of attacks in Queensland this year
News break – October 20
