NEW BERLIN, Wis. — Six months after a routine tonsillectomy led to life-threatening complications, Liam Klaver faces new challenges as he returns to 7th grade. Liam's return to school in Muskego looks very different this year. The 12-year-old enters 7th grade with surgery scars, a feeding tube, and restrictions that will likely follow him for the rest of his life.
"Just wanting to get back to being a normal kid. Doing everything I could before," Liam said.
Six months after a routine tonsillectomy that kept him in the hospital for 76 days, Liam has made remarkable progress. But the New Berlin boy still faces significant challenges. During the procedure, his carotid artery was accidentally nicked, leading to severe complications. It was discovered a couple of days after Liam returned home. At first, he could not talk or swallow. He has made progress, but still has hurdles.
"Eating, I can't wait to start eating normal food again," Liam said, referring to the feeding tube he now relies on for nutrition.
While doctors expect some abilities, like running, to return over time, they've delivered difficult news about his favorite sport. Liam will never be able to play lacrosse with a team again.
READ ALSO: Routine tonsil surgery turned into more than 54 days in ICU for New Berlin boy
"Pretty much," Liam confirmed when asked if he would never play again.
His mother, Ashleigh Klaver, explained the extensive restrictions her son now faces.
Watch: 12-year-old returns to Muskego school with feeding tube after tonsil surgery nearly took his life
"Lacrosse, football, roller coasters, go karts, it is kind of out of the picture for him. They don't want his neck to jerk to the side or back," she said.
The road to recovery has been long and difficult. Liam was primarily in the ICU, undergoing multiple surgeries after developing blood clots and bleeding complications.
"They had to go further down and still had to go further down," Liam explained about how they cut into his throat trying to save Liam.
Many community members have followed Liam's journey since TMJ4 News first reported his story. When asked what she would want people to know, Ashleigh became emotional.
"Thank you, thank you for all the support. Really," she said through tears.
The family continues to maintain a GoFundMe to help with Liam's medical bills. They are also hoping to find a non-contact lacrosse club that would allow Liam to participate in the sport he loves safely.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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