Raising a miracle is expensive, but SO worth it!

Hi, my name is Jack Steffen and I am starting this fundraiser to help my son (John), his wife (Kelsey) and their children through the unexpected expenses of raising a nano-preemie.

My first grandson Elijah was born on December 2nd, 2021. He came into this world 4 months pre-mature at 24 weeks weighing only 13 ounces (that's right, less than a pound) and 11 inches in length. His mother battled pre-eclampsia for several weeks prior, and though she was willing to take on the risk even longer for the sake of her baby, the doctor wouldn't allow her to push herself anymore, and they were rushed into an emergency c-section. After Elijah's birth, she spent a few days in ICU and Elijah has been in the NICU, at 3 different hospitals, ever since.

To say that his first year of Elijah's life has been a roller coaster ride is an understatement. Multiple surgeries, multiple doctors, multiple diagnoses, feeding tubes, ventilators and now a G-Tube & Tracheostomy. This little miracle, with the strength of our Savior, has fought through all these procedures and continues to defy the odds. And though it's still going to be several weeks/months away, he is now beginning to battle through the steps needed for the long-awaited trip home.

For the past 12 months while Elijah has had his struggles, his parents have endured many of their own. The first hospital was a 40-minute drive from their home in Eva, Alabama, and the most recent is an hour and 15 minutes away. John and Kelsey have done an awesome job balancing time with Elijah their daughter, school, work, family, etc., but it comes at an exorbitant cost. They have been blessed to have found a way to have a large portion of the medical bills relieved, but there are MANY other costs that they have had to shoulder day-in and day-out. Things like missing a lot of work, fuel costs to/from the hospital (and recent prices haven't helped), meals while away from home, and wear-and-tear on their vehicles seem to be endless. And now there are new expenses to come, as when Elijah comes home, he will need special clothing, carrier, car seat, high chair, bed, monitoring devices, strollers, therapy devices, food, etc...and even more missed work as he will need 24-hour care.

The past year has been full of sleepless nights, worry, fear, anxiety, praise, thankfulness, and the juggling of bills/expenses. If this message and story finds you financially able, please consider helping and blessing this family in any way that you can. To help them have one less burden or worry would be appreciated beyond measure. And whether you can or can't help financially, will you please keep our family in your prayers and take a minute to share this GoFundMe through your social media outlets, and/or with family and friends so that maybe others would consider helping as well.

Thank you so much for your help and prayers as we work to get Elijah home and get the family together once and for all. God Bless!