Elijah and Zariah were micro-preemies born at 24 weeks and were each under 2 pounds. To make this early birth even more chaotic, they were born unexpectedly at home and had to be flown two hours away to be in a NICU that could support their critical care.
Needless to say, this spine-chilling entrance into the world decreased their odds of survival. Elijah spent 7 months in the NICU & Zariah 9 months, before they were able to come home! They have fought hard since their birth to overcome many obstacles due to brain hemorrhaging and hydrocephalus caused by prematurity.
Like most children with special needs, Elijah and Zariah’s care takes lots of time, attention to small details and dedication. Their biological mother was unable to care for them with her other children. Our family stepped in, and adopted them, so that we could ensure they received the best care and all the love they needed to heal from the trauma they went through at such a young age.
Children thrive off of accomplishments as well as independence which gives them a sense of confidence that transcends into other areas of their lives. Both Elijah and Zariah have a multitude of diagnosis, producing many cognitive and physical delays, their Quadriplegic Spastic Cerebral Palsy is one that creates many challenges for their mobility. This prevents them from living their life to the fullest. We are fundraising for Help Hope Live to purchase the Trexo, which would be a game changer for them. Their physical therapist as well as our family truly feel that this will support their ability to walk in the future thus increasing their quality of life.
Although we made sacrifices to bring these special children into our lives, life has been crazier than ever as we sometimes go 48-72 hours without sleep, we would never change a thing. Our new goals give us so much more hope, pride and gratitude for life. We see them work so hard daily with occupational, physical and speech therapies and their fight at so young truly puts life into perspective.
These two may have been small but they were definitely mighty! Because of the fight inside of them, here we are today, making strides & overcoming adversities that we were told they wouldn’t. “They will never walk or talk” is what was said but I still say, their BEST is yet to come!
Many prayers, love, determination and strength created the Dynamic Duo you see today!
We have chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in honor of
Elijah and Zariah in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay for their medical or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
