The family of the Cheyenne boy who saved his little sister from an attacking dog earlier this year has been providing updates on his treatments by plastic surgeons to heal the severe scars he received from his injuries.
Robert Walker has been posting many messages of thanks and gratitude for the outpouring of support his family has received since his 6-year-old son Bridger stepped in front of an attacking dog to protect his sister.
Bridger received multiple bites from the dog, which was euthanized at his owner’s request not long after the attack.
While Bridger was stitched up at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, doctors originally told the Walker family to wait to find treatment for Bridger’s scars until a year passed.
However, New York City-based Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali reached out to the family to offer his services and explained how new technology could allow immediate treatment with better results.
“Dr. Bhanusali gave us hope that everything would be alright and that we could make real progress in a few months rather than a few years,” Robert Walker said in a statement from the American Academy of Dermatology. “After going above and beyond to provide support, encouragement, and expert care, he reinforced our appreciation for the life-altering care that dermatologists provide.”
The Walker family traveled to New York, where Bridger received the first in a series of scar treatments.
“While the world and I celebrated Bridger’s incredible heroism and bravery, I also thought about how the scars from this attack could affect him physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Bhanusali said. “Working with Bridger and his family has been so rewarding, and I’m grateful to collaborate with Dr. Maughan so that Bridger can continue his care closer to home.”
In addition to Bhanusali, the Walker family has also been working with Utah-based dermatologist Cory Maughan for Bridger’s scar treatments.
“Despite being across the country, Dr. Bhanusali and I are working together closely to ensure Bridger gets the best treatment possible and that he and his family are comfortable with his care,” said Dr. Maughan. “After everything Bridger and his family have been through, we want to give him every opportunity for his scars to look their best.”
The Walker family received support from all over the nation after the story about Bridger’s heroism went viral this summer.
Many of the cast members of the “Avengers” films, including Chris Evans (Captain America), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor), have reached out to the family to donate gifts, telling the little boy what an inspiring hero he is.
