September 29, 2018
In August of 2011, little Landyn Nix’s life would change forever. At only 8 weeks old he was a victim of SBS (Shaken Baby Syndrome) at the hands of his biological father. Despite all odds Landyn lived for 5 years after the initial incident. He suffered many complications and was left disabled, he passed away September 22, 2016. Nick Ballou, the father charged, was finally sentenced to 25 years in prison for the death of his infant son, by way of an Alford Plea, accepting no responsibility for the child’s injuries that included multiple skull fractures and brain injuries. Ballou was previously serving time for the horrific injuries that he inflicted upon his then two month old son in August of 2011. On July 27, 2018 he was indicted for murder. The child suffered from cerebral palsy, permanent brain damage and was legally blind after the abuse from his father.
This softball tournament is not only a way to keep Landyn’s memory alive but to raise awareness for child abuse & Shaken Baby Syndrome. It is also a great way for the community to show their support by coming out to watch these 2-day tournaments, and honor Landyn.
Money raised will be used to get Landyn a headstone. Any money raised in future events will be donated in Landyn’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospital.
SBS (Shaken Baby Syndrome) is not as uncommon as individuals may think. The estimate occurrence is between 1,000 to 1,500 infants per year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the almost 2,000 children who die from abuse or neglect each year, shaken baby syndrome accounts for 10%-12% of them.
Tournament Information
November 3rd & 4th
8u, 10u, & 12u
Co Ed
Men’s, Women’s, & Co-Ed
Specific date & times of Which teams play, will be determined closer To tournament
Fees: Girls $125 ($100 if registered by October 19th)
Adults $150 ($125 If registered by October 19th)
Add $50 a team for shirts. (Optional)
Taking 6 teams for each division
Discounts offered for those who register & pay fee before October 19th. Tournament is November 3rd & 4th.
Contact Amy Nix or Jamie Castle via Facebook — women’s contact Angela Null 304-655-3868. Make checks payable to Amy Nix or can be paid via PayPal at amylnix6@gmail.com
Landyn’s mother, Amy Nix had this to say to The Lazer:
“It’s very important for parents/care givers to know the signs of child abuse. Typically the time a child is shaken (abusive head trauma) and it lands them in the hospital or takes their life it isn’t the first time. Landyn was hurt at the age of 6 wks old having rib fractures and neither me or his pediatrician even knew. I want people to know that it’s ok to ask for help from family if they are feeling frustrated. But I feel conflicted about that because it was Landyns own father who abused him. Someone that was supposed to help me keep him safe. He hurt him so bad that it damaged every part of his brain leaving him blind, with cerebral palsy, to never be able to talk, walk or even hold his head up. I also want people to know that it’s ok to lay their baby down in a safe place and walk away for a few seconds.
Never let yourself get so frustrated you could harm a baby because it could happen before you even realize it. Never think it can’t happen to you or your family because it can. You can never be too over protective of your children. Kids up to the age of 5 can suffer from abusive head trauma. Some of the signs and symptoms are fainting or lethargy crying or irritability, altered level of consciousness, bleeding, bone fracture, bruising, coma, lack of interest in feeding in infants, retinal hemorrhage, seizures, shortness of breath, sleepiness, tremor, or vomiting. Not all signs are visible. Landyn did not have the very first bruise on him. I also think it’s very important that parents/care givers make whoever is keeping their child aware of the signs and symptoms and how dangerous it can be. I have seen cases where the child grows up and you can’t even tell they were hurt, but more so than not it can leave them disabled or even can cause death.
I made a promise to Landyn & to God that day in August if I could just keep him I would spend the rest of my life keeping him safe & taking the very best care of him. I never thought I would be the one to have to bury him. So now I will spend the rest of my life missing him & just wishing for one more second with him.
The pain of losing Landyn some days is almost unbearable. But I just keep telling myself that he finally has everything back that was taken from him. & that no matter how much I wish I could just hold him one more time and see his sweet smile.. I’d never want him to have to live the way he was. Every day was a struggle for him but he still found away to smile. That’s one thing I learned from him. No matter what he went through he found the good in every day.”