Doctors tell the family if the boy recovers, he'll likely be in a semi-vegetative state. They don't yet know why the boy collapsed, but they question how the school responded.
Sheila Chan is just beside herself.
"He's not going to be the same," she said.
The Missouri City mother has spent every day for a week at Texas Children's Hospital hoping for a miracle for her 12-year-old son Dustin.
"He's a good child," Chan said.
The seventh-grade honors student was in gym class last week at Dulles Middle School when he collapsed, and his family believes precious minutes afterwards were wasted.
"Something should have been done, not just standing there," Dustin's uncle, Huy Tran, said.
From what they've been able to piece together, they say the coach called for the nurse who responded with an EPI pen. The principal also was there as they all waited for an ambulance. But even as it seemed Dustin was struggling to breathe, they say no one performed CPR or used a defibrillator that was nearby.
"I think in my heart they didn't do what they're supposed to do for Dustin," Chan said.
On Tuesday, Dulles Middle School principal Michael Heinzen sent parents the following letter:
"Our hearts are deeply saddened that one of our middle school students suffered a medical emergency last week. Our main concern is for the student and his family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
"Upon initial review, it appears emergency procedures were followed in providing the student assistance until advanced medical support arrived. We will continue to collaborate with local emergency and medical personnel in an effort to maintain the safety and security of our students.
"If you have any questions, please call me at (281) 634-5750."
With Dustin in ICU on a ventilator and with brain damage, his mother doesn't accept that and fears it could happen again.
"I don't want another family to go through what I go through right now. We need to save all the kids' lives," Chan said.
Both the nurse and the principal have visited Dustin at the hospital.
Find Jessica on Facebook at ABC13JessicaWilley or on Twitter at @jwilleyabc13
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