Jason Lockhart, son of former Atlanta Braves player Keith Lockhart, underwent his seventh procedure Monday after he was seriously injured in a freak accident during a baseball game a few weeks ago. The latest procedure came one day after the 15-year-old was moved out of the ICU.
Jason's sister, Sydney Lockhart, has been providing regular updates on his condition. Monday morning, she reported he had been making progress, but suffered bleeding after coughing.
"We have been so encouraged with Jason's progress over the weekend. His cousins brought some much needed smiles and laughter. It was so great to see Jason happy. It was healing for us all," she wrote in her Facebook post.
"This morning while eating breakfast with mom and dad, Jason coughed and some of the pressure went up and through his nose. Jason's nose started to bleed. This was terrifying for him (and mom and dad)."
One tear was initially thought to be the source of Jason's continued bleeding. Monday's procedure revealed multiple problem areas. Doctors cauterized and packed the wounds in hopes that Jason's body will finally begin to heal.
Jason is "feeling somewhat comfortable," his sister wrote.
Over the weekend, Sydney Lockhart wrote that Jason had been moved out of the ICU, saying he “walked a good bit and did some balancing exercises.”
Jason was injured June 17 during a tournament in South Carolina. While crossing home plate, he was hit in the face with a baseball. Doctors initially thought he only needed stitches. However, two days later, Jason began to bleed uncontrollably during a checkup and was taken to the hospital, where tests showed the injury was much more serious.
A CT scan revealed a tear in Jason's artery. After stitches failed to stop the bleeding, doctors placed him on life support to minimize any movement that could aggravate the injury and accelerate clotting.
The Lockhart family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they've received and for Jason's care at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital. They continue to ask for prayers and support.
Jason's father played for 10 seasons in Major League Baseball. He's currently a scout for the Chicago Cubs.