UPDATE: A shocking incident from Thanksgiving 2024 highlights the dangers of undercooked turkey, as Cheney Cook from Kalispell, Montana, shares his life-threatening experience. After consuming poorly cooked poultry, Cheney faced a harrowing 57-day hospital stay and a battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder.
This cautionary tale serves as a vital reminder for families preparing holiday meals to ensure their turkeys are cooked to a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Cheney’s ordeal began on Thanksgiving Day last year when he served a partially cooked turkey, leading to a series of life-altering health issues.
Just days after the holiday, Cheney woke up with numb legs and was unable to move. “I had to use the handle of a hammer on the accelerator because my feet wouldn’t work,” he recalls, describing the desperate crawl to his car to reach the emergency room. By nightfall, he was completely paralyzed.
Medical professionals quickly diagnosed him with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition that attacks the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms often begin with weakness and tingling, but can escalate to complete paralysis and respiratory failure.
Cheney spent nearly 100 days in the hospital, battling pneumonia and other complications. “The first three weeks of not being able to communicate were absolutely terrible,” he shares. “I couldn’t talk or do anything.”
As Thanksgiving approaches again, Cheney urges everyone to prioritize safety in the kitchen. “Have someone besides me cook the turkey,” he jokes, while emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
This year, Cheney reflects on the gratitude he feels for his recovery and the support he received from loved ones. “What I’m really grateful for is the people who stepped up and showed up for me over the past year,” he says. “I appreciate waking up every morning and the people sitting around the table.”
Cheney’s experience has transformed his understanding of community and compassion. He acknowledges the emotional toll of his ordeal, stating, “I had great neighbors bringing me dinners, which was really cool. You never really know who’s going to show up until you go through something like this.”
As families gather this Thanksgiving, Cheney’s story serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the kitchen. Ensure your turkey is fully cooked, avoid risky nibbles, and cherish the moments spent with loved ones.
With the holiday just around the corner, remember Cheney’s words: “This past year has been a heck of an adventure, but we got through it.”
