99 Balloons | Igniter Media | Inspirational Church Video

Summary

The story follows the journey of a child named Elliot, born with Trisomy 18, and the emotional rollercoaster experienced by his parents. Despite the doctor's grim predictions, Elliot defies the odds, surviving well past his expected time of death. Through daily challenges—feeding tubes, doctor visits, and milestones—they celebrate every moment with love and gratitude. From hospital stays to family reunions, Elliot's life is a testament to strength and faith. Ultimately, Elliot passes away, but not without leaving an everlasting impact on his family, who cherish the miracle of his life and the joy he brought.

Takeaways

• 😀 The parents learned at 2 months pregnant that their son, Elliot, was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome), and the doctors said he might not survive until birth.
• 😀 Despite the grim prognosis, the parents prayed for a miracle and eagerly awaited Elliot's birth, expressing deep hope and love for their unborn child.
• 😀 Elliot was born at 6 lbs, a true miracle in the parents' eyes, and his mother was doing well despite the challenges.
• 😀 At 11 days old, Elliot's parents celebrated his 'birthday' every day at 4:59 PM, the exact time he was born.
• 😀 Elliot was able to come home after a week in the hospital, where his parents adjusted to his care routines, including feeding him through a tube every 3 hours.
• 😀 The parents described the joy of learning how to care for Elliot and how deeply they loved him, despite the medical challenges.
• 😀 At 1 month old, Elliot's feeding tube came out in the middle of the night, and his parents worked with a neighbor to replace it, highlighting their resilience and love.
• 😀 At 2 months old, Elliot was thriving and had reached 7 lbs 3 oz, with his parents praising him for finding new ways to capture their hearts.
• 😀 Elliot's favorite activities included baths and massages, and he had learned to suck his thumb on his own, a notable milestone for a child born with clenched fists due to Trisomy 18.
• 😀 Elliot's parents celebrated his growth and accomplishments daily, noting his progress despite the challenging medical condition, and they expressed profound pride in him.
• 😀 Sadly, Elliot passed away at 3 months old due to complications from Trisomy 18, but his life was marked as a testament to God's work, showing truth and love through his brief time on Earth.
• 😀 In Elliot's memory, the family released 99 balloons at his funeral, each representing a day of his life, symbolizing the brief yet beautiful impact he had.

Q & A

What diagnosis was given to Elliot before he was born?

Elliot was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, a genetic condition that affects development and is often life-threatening.

What was the initial prognosis given by doctors regarding Elliot's survival?

Doctors indicated that Elliot was unlikely to survive to birth due to the severity of Trisomy 18.

How did Elliot’s parents respond to the diagnosis?

They prayed for healing, a miracle, and prepared to welcome him with love regardless of the outcome.

What were some of Elliot’s medical needs after birth?

Elliot required oxygen through a tube to help him breathe and a feeding tube to receive nutrition every three hours, each feeding taking about 1.5 hours.

How did Elliot’s parents celebrate his early milestones?

They celebrated each day, marking milestones such as 11 days, 1 month, and 2 months old, taking pictures daily, and hosting surprise gatherings with friends.

What challenges did Elliot and his parents face during the first months?

They dealt with complications such as a dislodged feeding tube, frequent congestion, and the difficulties of managing a child with a clenched fist due to Trisomy 18.

What are some of Elliot's developmental achievements mentioned in the transcript?

Elliot learned to suck his thumb independently, showed a good appetite, gained weight steadily, and experienced joyful daily activities like bath time and massage.

How did Elliot’s parents capture and cherish his life?

They documented every day with letters, photos, and celebrations, creatively marking milestones and sharing experiences with friends and family.

What was the significance of the balloon release at Elliot's funeral?

They released 99 balloons, each representing a day of Elliot's life, as a symbolic and beautiful tribute to celebrate his brief but meaningful time on Earth.

How do Elliot’s parents reflect on his life despite his passing?

They view his life as a miracle, celebrating the joy he brought and emphasizing that their love and connection to him continue beyond his earthly life.

What role did community support play in Elliot’s care?

Friends, neighbors, and medical staff provided emotional support, practical help, and participated in celebrations, which helped the parents care for Elliot.

How did the parents highlight the contrast between medical expectations and Elliot’s life?

Despite medical predictions that he would not survive, Elliot lived and reached milestones, demonstrating resilience and the parents’ faith in miracles.