Folichia Mitchell is responding to the market withdrawal of a product that caused serious injuries to her young daughter. Discover how a dangerous product led these mothers to take action and make a difference.
Mitchell, the mother of Kennedy, who is now 20 months old, is sharing her experience upon learning that the product that caused her daughter to undergo multiple surgeries to correct and heal an intestinal blockage has been officially removed from the market.
She has joined forces with Ashley Haugen, whose daughter Kipley experienced a similar incident to Kennedy’s and was later diagnosed with Toxic Cerebral Encephalopathy, a brain injury caused by exposure to solvents and heavy metals. Their mission is not only to remove the Chuckle & Roar product from store shelves but also to eliminate water beads altogether.
“It has definitely been an uphill battle. It feels like it shouldn’t be so hard to keep children safe and hold someone accountable. So it feels good in that sense,” she tells PEOPLE magazine.
On Thursday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Buffalo Games had withdrawn the Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads activity kits from the market, exclusively sold at Target.
Mitchell found out through Google that morning. “Ashley and I have been talking a lot recently. We just sent some beads to be independently tested by the nonprofit organization That Water Bead Lady, so I’m always online, checking the news. I saw it maybe 23 minutes after CPSC posted it, and I sent it to Ashley,” she shares. “Then I started getting tagged in TikTok videos from news outlets across the country.”
Mitchell first spoke with PEOPLE earlier this year, sharing Kennedy’s story of how ingesting a single water bead resulted in severe intestinal damage and a month-long hospitalization for the toddler.
“I think this withdrawal is the right, ethical thing to do, but it’s a bit late and inadequate,” the mother remarks. “I’m glad, but I’m not going to praise the company when they were first notified in 2022 of an issue.”
Mitchell points out that she has never received an apology or “any kind of acknowledgment” from Chuckle & Roar. However, what she has received is significant support and guidance from other affected families.
“Ashley has gathered this group of parents, who are all mothers for now, of children who have been harmed by water beads. We talk regularly throughout the week and coordinate with each other when we have meetings with the CPSC or fundraising events.” The group holds a special place in their hearts for Taylor Bethard, a mother from Wisconsin whose 10-month-old daughter died after ingesting a water bead in July.
“Fortunately, Kennedy is doing very well today, continuing to work with her medical team on digestion, and she has recently felt comfortable walking. We are very proud of her. She’s happy running around with her siblings, and I’m happy to see her in the state she’s in now,” says Mitchell. “Concern about side effects or future issues will unfortunately always be present.”
Mitchell is busy, as she recently entered a pre-nursing program and enjoys spending time with her family outside of her advocacy work. Her determination will lead her to continue her advocacy work, now as a board member of That Water Bead Lady.
“This isn’t going to stop just because the brand that harmed Kennedy was pulled from the market,” she says. “This is a much bigger issue. I really care about keeping children safe, and I believe I have a role I can play and something to offer to make that happen.”
The water beads market withdrawal marks a victory for all those mothers who have suffered the consequences of these dangerous toys. Our support is with them, and we hope their fight for accountability against the brand and suppliers of these toys that have caused immense harm to these children and their families grows stronger with time.
If your child has been injured due to a defective toy, you have the right to seek justice and financial compensation for the harm and injuries they have suffered. Filing a defective products claim will not only help you in your quest for personal justice but also alert other parents and families to the danger of these products, preventing future accidents.
At Farahi Law Firm, our defective products lawyers have extensive experience in handling these types of cases and can guide you through the legal process to achieve the best possible resolution.
