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Bloomington, MN (KROC AM News) - It’s been just over two years when a horrific story began in Minnesota.

A man grabbed a 5-year-old boy at the Mall of America and threw him off a third-floor balcony.

The young boy survived but faced numerous surgeries and a long recovery period.

A family friend has provided periodic updates on the progress of the boy known as Landen. She wrote the latest update this past Monday, the second anniversary of the nearly deadly incident:

APRIL 12, 2021
by Noah Hanneman, Organizer
Two years ago, our family suffered an unimaginable tragedy at the hands of a stranger. We are often asked to ‘share our story’ about that day and our journey since. We know people are curious and want to hear about our sweet boy and our family, but that is not something we are ready or able to do at this time.

It has been a long journey to this two-year anniversary, and it will continue to be a long road of mental, physical and emotional recovery and healing – for Landen and our entire family. We are, however, so thankful to the Lord that Landen is with us and our family is whole.

We also want to thank all of you who continue to pray for us each and every day. You continue to give us hope and show us the Glory of God’s great love here on earth.

Landen Hoffman was in the hospital for four months, where he underwent multiple operations, including surgeries for two broken arms and a broken leg, removal of his spleen, procedures for fluid in his lungs and stomach, as well as for facial and skull fractures. He also had a stent placed in his liver.

A GoFundMe site that was established for Landen and his family has raised more than $1-million.

The man who threw the boy pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 19 years in prison.

News update: Another night of confrontations in Brooklyn Center.

KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state

Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

 

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