Family celebrates anniversary of survival of shaken baby, pushes for awareness


3 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SANPETE COUNTY — The family of a Utah girl is marking one year of her survival of a vicious beginning — and increasing awareness.

It's not Miley White's birthday that has everyone here with purple balloons, but it is the one year mark since she fought to survive terrible injuries when she was violently shaken, at just seven months old.

“We’re not just celebrating Miley, we’re celebrating every child that is abused,” said Miley’s grandmother, JoAnn Otten.

Miley's family wants others to see firsthand the damaging effects that shaken babies can suffer from for the rest of their lives.

"It is an absolutely unnecessary, 100 percent preventable act,” Otten said.

We first introduced you to Miley last December, after she returned home from Primary Children's Hospital where she had spent weeks recovering.

Help with Children
Those who feel stressed out with a child, who need a break or who feel like they need counseling or training can reach out to one of the following agencies:
  • The Family Support Center has 15 locations throughout the state and offers a free crisis nursery for parents who have to keep appointments or who are stressed out. They also offer counseling and family mentoring. Call 801-955-9110 or visitfamilysupportcenter.org/contact.php for more information.
  • The Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect the family with community resources. Their goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe," according to their website. Visitdcfs.utah.gov/questions/or call 801-538-4100.
  • The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
  • Under the Safe Haven law, birth parents or a designee can drop off their newborn at any hospital in the state without legal consequences and no questions asked. Call 866-458-0058 or email utahnewbornsafehaven@gmail.com.

The terrible injuries she suffered prompted Otten to fight for children by making others aware of what can happen when children are abused.

"We are releasing balloons, and they are symbolizing that all children should be free of pain and free of fear of being abused,” said Otten.

Miley's father pleaded no contest to child abuse charges and was sent to prison. He will be eligible for parole in nine years.

"We don't think it’s long enough. Miley has a whole life ahead of her that will be a struggle, and he’ll serve ten years, possibly more, but there isn't any comparison in the one who serves more time, it will be Miley,” Otten said.

But this moment is all about Miley and her fight to get better.

“She’s doing wonderful. We never dreamed that she would be doing the things she’s doing,” said Otten.

Still, Miley's family and friends know she has a long road ahead with both physical and mental difficulties.

"We just hope that she will be able to continue to improve. She still has many struggles and things she’s going to have to overcome, but we're just so thankful for what she is now and the happy little girl that she is,” Otten said.

Photos

Related stories

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

UtahFamily
Sam Penrod

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast