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7-Year-Old Foster Son Rushes Back Into Burning Home To Save His Baby Sister
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7-Year-Old Foster Son Rushes Back Into Burning Home To Save His Baby Sister

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Even though most of us might not realize it until we hear stories like this, selfless people with the potential to perform something truly heroic are all around us. And no, they don’t wear capes, masks, or spandex, and they might not even be physically strong or unbelievably muscular. Sometimes, these heroes are little 7-year-old boys with hearts bigger than their bodies.

Today, let’s talk about one of them. His name is Eli.

More info: GoFundMe

On December 8, Nicole Davidson woke up in the middle of the night and realized that her home had gone up in flames

Image credits: Nicole Davidson

Chris and Nicole Davidson are a couple that live in New Tazewell, Tennessee with their 2-year-old son Elijah, 22-month-old daughter Erin, and a 7-year-old foster son Eli, who’s been with the family for nearly a year. On December 8, around 8:30 p.m., the parents tucked their kids into bed and went to sleep. Then, a few hours later, Nicole woke up to the smell of smoke and realized that their house was on fire.

The couple was able to get out of the house with their 2-year-old son Elijah and their 7-year-old foster son Eli

Image credits: CNN

Nicole and Chris were able to grab the boys Elijah and Eli, though when it was time to rescue the 22-month-old baby Erin, the couple was faced with a terrifying reality—the flames had already blocked the room entrance. “The smoke and fire was so thick there was no way I could get to her,” Chris Davidson told CNN.

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Unfortunately, the fire had already blocked the entrance of their 22-month-old girl’s room

Image credits: CNN

“We went outside to get to her from the window, but there was nothing for me to stand on to reach up there,” the father told CNN. Fortunately, the 7-year-old Eli was eager to help. “I picked up Eli, who went through the window and was able to grab her from her crib,” Chris Davidson shared with CNN.

But then their foster son Eli decided to go back to the house through a window and rescue his baby sister

Image credits: CNN

“We couldn’t be more proud of Eli,” Chris Davidson told CNN. “He did something a grown man wouldn’t do.” By the time the firefighters arrived on the scene, the family’s house was already almost fully destroyed.

“I thought I couldn’t do it, but then I said, ‘I got her, dad,'” the 7-year-old Eli told CNN. “I was scared, but I didn’t want my sister to die.”

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Image credits: CNN

Due to the fire, the Davidson family’s house was completely destroyed. “We lost everything that we have ever had,” Chris Davidson told CNN. “Our entire lives were in that home. Our three cars were also damaged in the fire.” Recently, a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched in order to help the Davidsons in these difficult times. As of now, the campaign has already raised $351,720 for the family.

Here’s how people reacted

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shelli-meyers avatar
HalfShelli
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sure hope Eli gets an upgrade from foster son to son son (if it is appropriate).

auroradarc avatar
Pangolin Pal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this family doesn't formally adopt Eli as their legal son, there is no justice in this world. This little boy risked his life and saved his baby sister! Any family should feel honored to have this wonderful boy as their cherished, adored son.

dinastavola avatar
BabaBizzle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they don’t demand to make Eli their official son ASAP then they are not deserving of the amazing human he is! He risked his life to save “my sister” ...it’s obvious he feels this is his home. They can replace their tangible items but not their family members (pets included) Eli is a damn superhero who needs to be recognized and celebrated! I hope they get a home with 4 bedrooms one for EACH CHILD and Eli’s the biggest one of them all!

snickums avatar
lokki avatar
klatula
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it sounds like to me the child was pushed into going into the burning house. he was lifted up to a window from the outside of the building. glad both children got out safely.

rayjen0402 avatar
Jennifer Crompton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was thinking the same thing but didn't want to be the only naysayer. Thanks for being braver than me

Load More Replies...
mjw0sysascend_com avatar
lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a heart touching and wonderful story. Things can be replaced, but the loss of a family member [including pups] is just devastating. And their friends showed their love, too. You are wonderful and a hero [and I seldom use that word] Eli. Thank you.

auroradarc avatar
Pangolin Pal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are so right - I would just add that kitties, birds, and all other pets are also family members and losing any of them is horrific.

Load More Replies...
katie-trondsen avatar
KT
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow Eli way to go !!! You're the bravest lil big guy~!!

rix_1 avatar
Arenite
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope these parents have put in the paperwork to adopt him.

bethblue12 avatar
TexasWoman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is one brave and caring boy n brother! He should be a firefighter. Thank you, Eli!

ciantmchugh avatar
Cian Thomas McHugh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid is a freaking madlad. I hope he gets the biggest ice cream you can buy.

stefaniepatterson avatar
BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can you imagine when she starts dating? And yes, I'm assuming Eli gets to stay with the family.

shelli-meyers avatar
HalfShelli
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sure hope Eli gets an upgrade from foster son to son son (if it is appropriate).

auroradarc avatar
Pangolin Pal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this family doesn't formally adopt Eli as their legal son, there is no justice in this world. This little boy risked his life and saved his baby sister! Any family should feel honored to have this wonderful boy as their cherished, adored son.

dinastavola avatar
BabaBizzle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they don’t demand to make Eli their official son ASAP then they are not deserving of the amazing human he is! He risked his life to save “my sister” ...it’s obvious he feels this is his home. They can replace their tangible items but not their family members (pets included) Eli is a damn superhero who needs to be recognized and celebrated! I hope they get a home with 4 bedrooms one for EACH CHILD and Eli’s the biggest one of them all!

snickums avatar
lokki avatar
klatula
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it sounds like to me the child was pushed into going into the burning house. he was lifted up to a window from the outside of the building. glad both children got out safely.

rayjen0402 avatar
Jennifer Crompton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was thinking the same thing but didn't want to be the only naysayer. Thanks for being braver than me

Load More Replies...
mjw0sysascend_com avatar
lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a heart touching and wonderful story. Things can be replaced, but the loss of a family member [including pups] is just devastating. And their friends showed their love, too. You are wonderful and a hero [and I seldom use that word] Eli. Thank you.

auroradarc avatar
Pangolin Pal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are so right - I would just add that kitties, birds, and all other pets are also family members and losing any of them is horrific.

Load More Replies...
katie-trondsen avatar
KT
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow Eli way to go !!! You're the bravest lil big guy~!!

rix_1 avatar
Arenite
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope these parents have put in the paperwork to adopt him.

bethblue12 avatar
TexasWoman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is one brave and caring boy n brother! He should be a firefighter. Thank you, Eli!

ciantmchugh avatar
Cian Thomas McHugh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid is a freaking madlad. I hope he gets the biggest ice cream you can buy.

stefaniepatterson avatar
BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can you imagine when she starts dating? And yes, I'm assuming Eli gets to stay with the family.

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