Baby Attacked By Raccoon Released From Hospital On Christmas

PHILADELPHIA – The 4-month-old baby girl who was attacked by a raccoon in her own home last week was released from the hospital on Christmas Day. And in just four days' time, the public raised more than $24,000 for her and her family.

Journi Black and her family got an amazing gift on the holiday when the baby was sent home from the hospital to continue recovering from the harrowing attack.

"So glad my granddaughter has been discharged today even though she hadn’t fully heal with prayer and patience she will get better thanks to all who donated to the go fund me page we understand that you may not have it to give but your prayers is good enough," Journi's grandmother wrote on Dec. 25 on the GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the family.

So far, more than 720 people have raised $24,005 in four days for Journi and her family through the fundraising campaign.

"Merry Christmas! Thank you all for outpouring of love & support," Journi's mother Ashley Rodgers wrote on the fundraising page. "Baby Journi is enjoying all the gifts. You all really know how to make a girl feel special. Peace & Blessings to you and your family on this glorious day!"

Jourini's recovery could take up to a year, according to the GoFundMe page.

Jourini was asleep in her bed when Wednesday, Dec. 20 her mother heard her scream. She had been attacked by a raccoon. The baby was rushed to the hospital, where she received 65 stitches in her face.

Rodgers had just moved into the apartment on the 2100 block of North 22nd Street the day before the attack, according to Philly.com.

Earlier in the day Wednesday, Rodgers saw the raccoon run through the apartment and had notified her landlord, who inspected the residence and assured her it was gone, the report said.

But it was not.

"When I got to my daughter, she was lying on the floor near the door, blood all over her face and all over her clothes," Rodgers told Philly.com. "She was all the way across the room, like he had been trying to drag her somewhere."

Image via GoFundMe