Elijah Millar's Heart Surgery

I have decided to organize this fundraiser on behalf of my sister and her family to help ease some of the financial burden associated with their sons upcoming out of province heart surgery. Kim and Jon live in a small community outside Winnipeg, MB with their 2 small children, Brielle (3) and Elijah (1). Elijah was born with a congenital heart defect called a Vascular Ring. One of the major arteries (right subclavian) is branching off the wrong location on his aorta and is looped behind his esophagus causing compression on both the esophagus and trachea (airway). This results in significant feeding and sleeping difficulties. The funds will be going towards the expenses associated with having the whole family together during the surgery and recovery in Edmonton. 

In April 2020 Elijah Ray Millar was born a seemingly healthy, 7lb 8oz little boy but it quickly became apparent that something wasn't quite right. Elijah had significant troubles nursing, a chronic cough, episodes of vomiting (more than just your average spit up), seemingly unrelenting colic, slow weight gain and episodes of gagging and choking when solid foods were introduced. 

Very early on it was discovered that he was tongue and lip tied but treatment resulted in minimal improvement. A few months, and a couple specialists later, he was diagnosed with FPIES (Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome - essentially a hypersensitive milk and soy protein allergy). He was placed on a prescription formula and his weight gain improved, but unfortunately there was no relief of the other symptoms. 

Finally, when he was nearly 8 months old, Elijah was found to have a rare congenital heart defect called a Vascular Ring. Of the 3 types, his is the most common. The medical terminology is "left aortic arch with aberrant right subclavian artery". In English, this means that one of the major arteries is branching from the wrong spot on his aorta and is looped behind his esophagus causing compression on both his esophagus and trachea (airway). This causes him to have significant difficulty eating solid foods and obvious discomfort when eating in general. Reflux caused by the abnormality has not responded well to treatment and continues to keep him from sleeping well. As he becomes more active there are also signs of decreased oxygen, likely due to the compression on his trachea. 

After seeing several different specialists in Winnipeg, as well as consults with surgeons, both at Mayo Clinic and Boston Children’s Hospital, it has been determined that surgery is the best course of treatment. 

The nearest pediatric cardiovascular surgery department is in Edmonton which, obviously, means their family will have to travel for this procedure. Manitoba health covers alot of the cost, however, there is still a significant financial burden placed on Jon and Kim. This would include things such as a loss of income, child care, and some travel and accommodation expenses.

Any little bit helps ease the financial burden on Jon and Kim but prayers are also greatly appreciated!