GRAVETTE — Editor’ Note: Remember the picture in the paper was published in The News Herald last February. That is Eli Misenheimer with his first deer kill. Now read the story below about the young man. The photo, and Eli, take on a new, special meaning.
Eight-year-old Eli Misenheimer of Gravette has been chosen to profile as “Heart Survivor” at the upcoming American Heart Association Gala to be held Saturday, May 15, at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.
Elijah (’Eli’) is the son of Mike and Brenda Misenheimer. He was born May 14, 2001, and since then has undergone surgeries at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Although he takes heart medication every day, his parents say he is a typical eight-year-old.
The “Carnival Midway” Gala is to raise funds for continuing heart research through the AHA.
Mike and Brenda explain Eli’s and their experiences of the past almost-nine years.
“We first found out about Eli’s heart condition during our pregnancy,” they said. In what was to be a routine ultrasound it was discovered Eli had Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome.This means the left ventricle of the organ (its main pumping chamber) hadn’t developed.
“Of course, terminating the pregnancy was not an option,” the family said.
They were referred to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, recognized as one of the leading childhood treatment facilities in the nation. They made preparations to be in Little Rock for Eli’s birth.
On that day, almost nine years ago, Eli was immediately rushed into what would be the first of three surgeries he has undergone at the hospital.
“After two weeks, we finally got to hold our baby boy (for the first time),” the couple said. After that successful at-birth surgery and a hospital stay, they were able to bring the little fellow home.
For six months Eli’s contact with people was very limited, a precaution to prevent infections and disease. The couple returned to Little Rock for Eli’s second successful surgery, just before Christmas. It too was a success, a great Christmas “gift”.
Eli’s third surgery was performed when he reached a required weight of 35 pounds. He was five and in preschool and again, just before Christmas, the couple was in Little Rock. Again the family was able to be home for Christmas.
Another hospitalization occurred, just a year ago last May, when, during a checkup visit at Children’s, a blood clot was discovered. It was an unexpected setback but a treatment regimen was created.
“Today Eli is doing very well,” they said. He takes medication every day as well as a blood thinner. “And he is a very lively eight-year-old who loves to hunt and fish, ride his four-wheeler and water and snow ski,” Mike and Brenda report.
The future is uncertain, the couple said, but their faith is in God and in the doctors. “The doctors say that medication and technology just keep advancing and are better.
“As for us,” they added, “we know he has a very promising future. God has been with him every step of the way and we know He has a plan and a purpose for his life.”
The Misenheimers “urge you to join us in making a tax deductible donationto the Gala in order to benefit the research efforts of the American Heart Association. We know this is an incredibly difficult time to donate money due to economic times but we ask you to give any amount that is reasonable to you,” they said.
Donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, 92 W. Dunbridge Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72703. Please mention Eli and the Gala Celebration with your donation. You may contact the Misenheimers for information: 479-787-5281.
News, Pages 11 on 04/21/2010