Thursday, September 3, 2009

September 2009 - Updates by Andrea Whalen

Jeff continues to make huge strides in his recovery. He is doing all the things kids do. Besides pestering his brother and sisters, he continues to do well in school and works hard to help his mom and dad at home. After countless surgeries Jeff has full range of motion in his arms and his face is looking better all the time. Jeff has another surgery scheduled for October in Sacramento and will have several more surgeries as he grows.

It continues to remain very difficult for the Elam family to get the care Jeff needs. Jeff's father, Gene had a biking accident last November 2008 which has left him with permanent brain damage. He was on partial disability working part time until July 2009. He has now lost his job and does as many odd jobs as he can find to do in Arveda, Wyoming. The loss of his job has left them until November to find a place to live as their housing was part of his salary. Mary continues to work as kitchen manager at the Flying J. Mary and the girls also try to clean as many houses as they can.

They are now facing the winter in Wyoming with no for sure income and place to live. Flying J has filed chapter 11 bankruptcy. Mary and Gene hope to relocate before winter to provide a place to live for their 4 children with more opportunity for employment, education and support. With mounting medical bills, old car, and continuing to pay on their mortgage in Biloxi. After hurricane Katrina, they still have been unable to resolve their mortgage on that property that no longer exists. They continue to look for employment and their desire is to provide the best life for their children and continue to see Jeff to full recovery.