Elijah was born at 22 weeks gestation, 18 weeks early, to a drug addicted mother. He spent the first 6 months of his life in the neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He underwent multiple bowel surgeries, brain surgery and eye surgeries. His severely underdeveloped lungs suffered multiple infections. His prognosis was extremely grim and most doctors gave him no more than 12 months to live. His adoptive parents, Rene and Patrick, found out that Elijah needed a home and decided to make him theirs.

Elijah is now almost 5 years old and has surpassed everyone's expectations. Since his release from the NICU, he has undergone many more surgeries, the most recent being done on his spine. After spending 3 weeks recovering in Birmingham from his back surgery, he is now able to walk with quad canes. He continues to receive physical, occupational and speech therapies multiple times a month.

Because of the massive brain bleed he experienced at birth, he is unable to talk or eat by mouth. Thanks to the Rileigh Raylee Angel Ride Foundation he will be receiving his voice activated picture board within the next month. This device will allow Elijah to finally communicate with his family, peers and teachers.

Despite his disabilities, Elijah is a rambunctious, friendly, fun-loving little boy. He loves to ride his adapted bicycle all over his neighborhood and play trucks with his little brother Henry. He attends Goodwill Easter Seals preschool and loves playing with his friends on the playground. He has a smile that will melt your heart and continues to be a blessing and inspiration to his family.