by Theresa Roach | The Grand Blanc News
GRAND BLANC, Michigan -- One-year-old Elijah Palmer was born with half a heart, but the final stage in a series of surgeries could give the toddler a chance to live a normal life.
On Aug. 6, Becky and Jason Palmer of Highland will take their youngest son to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital for his third and final open heart surgery to repair hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a disorder in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.
The Palmers and their older children -- Travis, 4 and Hannah, 6 -- will stay at the hospital for at least one month while Elijah recovers from surgery.
Meanwhile, a group of church friends will host a garage sale and bake sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at 8229 Peninsula Circle in Hidden Ponds subdivision in Grand Blanc to help the family cover expenses while they take time to focus on the child's recovery.
"Jason won't be able to work while Elijah is recovering and (Elijah's health) already (has) been a strain on them financially," said Alise McAleer, whose will host the sale at her home.
"They've only been married a few years," McAleer said of the Palmers. "They have three young kids. It (has taken) a toll on their family."
Elijah's body does not receive proper oxygen flow, which causes breathing problems, a bluish tint to his fingernails, toenails and skin, developmental delays and difficulty in developing strong muscles. Just one week before his second birthday, he finally is walking.
This final surgery would give Elijah normal blood flow and help ease many of his health troubles, said Becky Palmer.
Medical costs are covered by health insurance, but Jason Palmer, the family's sole provider as a manager at a Wendy's restaurant, does not qualify for paid time off from work for a year. He must work during Elijah's recovery or take the time off without pay.
McAleer and other church members of Fenton's Freedom Center want Jason Palmer to be with his family.
"It's phenomenal," Becky Palmer said. "When you don't know what you're going to do and someone suggests something like what the girls are doing, it's just phenomenal. When they said they'd do this, I started crying. ... It's hard. We went from two incomes to one," said Becky Palmer, who quit her job when Elijah was born.
"Jason was thinking about working, but now with this, I will have the support of my husband and Elijah will have the support of his daddy."
