Name:  Erik Weber

Illness: Microcephalia, dysphagia, hypotonia, and hypothyroidism

State:  OR

Club:  Jacksonville Elementary

Date Adopted: 10/28/2005

Service Hours: 297

Erik's Story

(10/28/05) Erik Weber was diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CHD) long before he was born. Pre-natal surgery corrected that, but there were other complications. He also suffered from microcephalia, dysphagia, hypotonia, and hypothyroidism -- all which contributed to developmental delays, not the least of which is a small brain, and a swallowing problem. Now six years old, Erik is fed through a tube, suffers from chronic lung disease, a low immune system, and gross motor deficiencies. Developmentally, he acts like a one-year old. He has been diagnosed with a syndrome that has yet to be named. Erik shares his birthday with his older brother, Brandon, who is twelve years old. Brandon attends McLoughlin Middle School, and their sister Halie, nine years old, attends Griffin Creek Elementary. Erik is a kindergartener in the STEPS program at Jacksonville Elementary. He has an infectious laugh, and is enjoying exploring his world more and more. He likes to take rides in his wheelchair. He likes water play, and tasting foods like pudding and jello. Dad and Mom (Dave and Brenda), and the family pet Serg all chip in to help Erik, and with the general family housekeeping, which allows Brenda to work on her LPN certification.