Meet April’s Legendairy Little, Elliot

Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During the month of April, we will be featuring Elliot.

While Elliot was born full term, his medical story has certainly become complex. Starting his very first night, Elliot would have severe projectile vomiting. Even though he was failing to gain weight, Elliot’s parents’ concerns were brushed off and they were reassured that this is a phase that would be outgrown. At his one-month checkup, Elliot’s mom brought up concerns that his eyes were not moving symmetrically. At a Pediatric Ophthalmologist , Elliot was diagnosed with Duane Syndrome as well as Amblyopia in one of his eyes. He would need to wear a patch over his good eye to encourage the bab eye muscles to grow. Although he isn’t wearing a patch currently, he does require eye drops to help with the muscle growth in the weaker eye.

Because it was so unknown why Elliot was vomiting to such an extent, his Mom transitioned him from breastmilk to an amino acid formula. Although this helped with weight gain, the vomiting did not let up. It wasn’t until a swallow study at six months old that aspiration was discovered.

Elliot received a diagnosis of FPIES (Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome). It is because of his FPIES that Elliot had been reacting to breast milk, formula, and food that he had begun to trial. FPIES is a non-IgE mediated allergy. It does not have a test, so patients (and their parents) are required to trial a food for several days while waiting to see if the patient has a reaction to the food. Elliot requires food without corn, chicken, sweet and white potatoes, squash, salmon, turkey, soy, and dairy.

Elliot is continuing to follow his new growth curve. He was recently referred to ENT where an in-office scope was done and nothing was found that could explain difficulties that Elliot faces with eating and swallowing. Elliot is working closely with a SLP, Miss Katie, on his feeding challenges and continues to make great strides.

Elliot loves fruit flavored PopTarts and orange juice. He lights up when singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and loves to play in his ball pit.

During the month of April, Legendairy Milk will be making a donation to Elliot’s family to help with his ongoing medical expenses.