elijah's story

[MDDRx4]

im sooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry that is so sad

[JojoeChas]

Thank you so much for posting this... I have just returned home from hospital with my 4 month old daughter to be told after finding blood in her stools last week that she has salmonella and yes we have a dragon, personally have never handled it and it lives the majority of the time in his Viv... however he will be rehomed by the morning after seeing this...Thank You so much. xxx

[aprilwinder]

@toolbox...do you even pay attention...OBVIOUSLY they were NOT made AWARE of the dangers of reptiles. AND who are you to say what people can buy their children and for what reasons? They are taking the time out to spread the word and make other people aware so the same thing doesnt happen to someone else.....

[thetoolbox112394]

you idiots, no one gives their kid a big sibling present! how old was the girl anyway? you don't bring a lizard home to a little girl with a newborn baby in the house!

[harmlesslittlebunny]

@thetoolbox112394 Tool's a great name for ya. Have some sensitivity. Does fantasizing that these parents are "idiots" help you feel more protected from tragedy? Awfully selfish of you to blame the parents for a tragic mistake.

[thetoolbox112394]

@harmlesslittlebunny no i didnt mean it like that. i meant that they shouldn't have brought a reptile into their home with their newborn baby. im just saying they should have been more cautious. i am very sorry for their son. i just get really upset when this happens to a baby. im sorry. i was insensitive.

[thetoolbox112394]

@harmlesslittlebunny btw why are you just now replying to a comment i posted a week ago?

[katinac34]

I am so sorry to hear about Elijah. I did not kbow him or you but I connected through the video. I can relate. I am having my own battle with medications and all the things that help but causes other problems. I will pray for your family even though it has been over a year. It is hard. We are God's chosen people for kids with special needs. you can email me if you like @ katinac34@yahoo.com

[hypnotic26]

OMG, Elijah is a true warrior. God bless his heart :-)

[TruDumKids]

im soo sorry for your Elijahs passing.. he will always be in my heart.. stuff like this breaks my heart.. a pet store jus tryna make a quick buck by not warning people of the dangers and sumthing so tragic like this happens..

[xpistinaxpistou]

So sad. I never have heard of this danger before!

[ibqtgirl]

Thank you so much for posting this! I know you've educated several people (including myself) that had no idea of the problems that could be caused by what appears to be an innocent pet. I'm sure you sharing this information has helped Parents to be more careful with what pets they have in the house and in turn you've saved lives. Thank you & God bless you're family!

[jonasjasonluver11]

thts my amazin lil cuz rite there! i only met him once because of all his surgeries and everything but what a brave, strong, and amazing little boy he was. Its just unbearable to think that one little lizard could cause so much pain and tears for a family. God bless Elijah and may he rest in peace and be in a better place now. He will always be in my prayers, as will his family. my heart goes out to all of his family. I can just imagine everything your going though. I love all of you guys!

[HappyLittleTrees11]

I am SO sorry about your son. He was such a handsome little prince. You have such a beautiful family.

It scares me to think that I had a king snake when my little girl was born years ago. I did not know til much later the danger in the house! :( I will be sure to pass your son's story on. May he rest in peace.

[DirtyAssassin1]

hello i really want a lizard its a leopard gecko i have astma so will it effect me at all !? and is it easyier to catch when you are a baby ??? and because i have had meninjitous and almost died if i didnt get to the doctors and had that life saving injection within 3 mins i wouldnt be here today !! and since i have had this awful desease of meninjitous will it be easyier for me to catch it ?? please please please write back i REALLY need to know !! thankyou !!

[toastfreak9]

god bless you<3

[kamica1975]

Hi Meredith...we don't really know each other but we are family..I am Angie's older sister katrice. I had no idea how tragic your son's story is. I know he passed in December and for that i am truly sorry. I am passing this story on to all that I know especially those in the medical field. You, jay and the family are truly in my prayers and my sincere hope is for peace for all of you. He was a beautiful little man and i am sorry i never got to meet him. My heart goes out to you. love Katrice

[toastfreak9]

hey mrs.meredith i showed this clip to my dad and step mom they were soo upset and wanted to let you know that you are in there prayers and my mom and step-dad say the same and they all said for me to tell you how much they look up to you bexause of how brave you, desi, and jay, and Elijah<3 were through all of this and i feel the same

<3love always<3

olivia thompson

[strawbry251]

This is Elijah's mommy I just want to thank everyone who takes the time to watch this video and let everyone know that Elijah passed about this past decemeber 14 from pancreatitis that was caused by his seizure medicine depakote please continue to pass his story around so that we can help prevent this from happening to others xoxoxo mere

[thetoolbox112394]

@strawbry251 sorry for your loss

[sexyhockeyplayer222]

@strawbry251 im so sorry... this made me cry! then i read your comment...:( i watched a video in school about shaken baby syndrome and wanted to learn more, i found this. it is so sad!

[bctripletmom]

Hi. It's Miranda (bctripletmom) from MySpace. Still think of you all often. I'm back here tonight b/c I'm sharing your story with someone on freecycle. I hope that each time we share Elijah's story more families can be spared the heartbreak you have been through. Thank you so much for allowing us to share his story. (((hugs))) Miranda.

[strawbry251]

thanks so much miranda i really really appreciate you continuing to share my baby's story i miss him so very much xoxox mere

[toastfreak9]

elijah we all love and miss you you are in our prayers this family is amazing and their daughter is one o my many best friends we are here for you ELIJAH WE LOVE YOU

[whogivesaduck08]

thankyou for sharing your experience i am due to have my baby boy on thursday and have just got 3 leopard ghecos a new home. thankyou

[strawbry251]

that is fantastic best of luck with your son xoxoxo mere elijah's mommy

[patmarch281958]

I saw on your myspace that you lost your son. I am so sorry to hear that. RIP baby boy, you was an angel from the start, an angel you returned. Your short life touch thousands and we all learn something from you. ♥♥♥love to you the family.from grandmaPat,Kayla and Miracle

[apples354]

elijah's funeral was 2day and he is missed deeply but he is now in a better place, even though he will always be remembered.

[rockinrobin9785]

God Bless Elijah and his family. This story may have saved my grandchildren's lives because I have 3 small grandaughters living in my home with 2 Uromastyx lizards. I am getting rid of them today!

[rockinrobin9785]

I am devastated by this tragedy.I thank god and Elijahs story being told because

I own 2 uromastyx lizards and have 3 small children in my home.Elijah's story may have saved their lives.I am getting rid of my lizards today!

[strawbry251]

xoxoxo mere (elijah's mommy)

[Guardianoftheunborn]

I have sad news. I just found out on myspace that Elijah passed away. He died on 12-14-08 which was yesterday. I had just found this out now. To the family, I am so sorry. I can't imagine the kind of pain you are in right now. I hope for the best of you all. All of you with children, please consider what kind of pets you give them. I liked lizards once, but I now think a dog is a better choice because they can be cleaner and loyal.

I must ask, how can lizards have salmonella?

[skoolbhot]

Hello, I am a very close friend of the mother of Elijah. Lizards naturally have bacterias of their skin.. They excrete them... Salmonella is one of those bacterias.

[Guardianoftheunborn]

How is the family doing? Can you tell us? By the way thanks for the information. I used to love lizards when I was a boy but now I think I would be better off without one. Turtles can have salmonella to on their shells when they are growing. Be careful when anyone wants to own an exotic pet. Lizards, snakes, tarantulas, baby alligators, I would not reccomend them. they aren't met to be domestic. I never thought lizards could carry diseases amd I hope that this doesn't happen to another child.

[skoolbhot]

The family is doing well. They are an amazing family. They really are. I have 4 children and I couldn't imagine. I am so grateful for Elijah being in my life... He has saved so many childrens lives.

[strawbry251]

This is Meredith Elijah's mommy don't recognize the screen name who is this?

[lorac41]

This is a warning for all that bring exotic pets into their home. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT do this. They seem to be wonderful pets and they bring joy to many but the consequences are great. I pray for Elijah and he has the best of care with Dr. Ben Carson. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm sure it will help many others.

[rydar1978]

This one of the reasons why I am totally against pets in the house 100%

[bonsnead06]

Just keep a postive outlook. He is god's child and he wouldn't give him to you if you could handle it. I commend you for caring for him because most parents would just give up. God Bless you and your family. You are in my heart and prayers.

[chocara1]

Elijah didn't have a chance to do normal things that children do. My prayer go to baby Elijah and family. Bless you

[Melodystique23]

Thank you for sharing your story, I will always keep you in my prayers.

[SisterBondingTime]

I'm so sorry for the pain that your family went through. I cried as I watched your video and prayed for your family that God would be with you. I agree with the others that Elijah is so cute. He's very blessed to have parents who so obviously fill his life with love.

[patmarch281958]

I am so sorry this happen to your son. It made me cry. God bless you and your family, Hold on to God He is your LifeLine. I know life seen so unfair at times but please always know Jesus love you and He cares. We will understand it better by and by. Love you all Kayla and grandmom♥♥♥

[mlee2003]

I am so sorry for what your family has been through. I never knew that lizards carry salmonella. We had 2 lizards during my first pregnancy and the months following and I never knew that I could be putting him into any danger. I thank you for using your story to help teach others about this.

[Lizarrdo]

So your blaming on the lizard?

Your baby shouldn't be allowed to be next to that lizard.

srry to hear that anyways.

[mlee2003]

It said in the video that the baby was never near the lizard. Salmonella can survive on any surface. That means that if the little girl touched the lizard and then the door handle, the salmonella can be left on the door handle. Many diseases can do this. Three days before my daughter was born, my son ended up with rotovirus which can be deadly to a newborn.This can last weeks on a surface. We had to sanitize everything.The baby would never have got it if they had known beforehand from the store.

[rightnow2142]

wow thanx for the story i had absolutely no idea and was considering getting a pet iguana

[rhylansmom]

what is the myspace?

[Gisellybean]

Thank yo so much for sharing your story, it was so moving. I'm so sorry you had to endure such pain, but I'm happy that your son is still alive and surrounded by people who love him so much. He's so beautiful! I wish you the best in the future. =]

[emer8nica]

Thank you for sharing your story - you, Elijah and your family are very brave to go through all this. Your story already saved my daughter who is due to be born in a couple of weeks or so, and your story will continue to save more lives. Our prayers go out to you. Thank you once again.

[elmofunk1116]

I work with your husbands brother...and I asked about you guys the other day...he told me to check out this site...Thank you for posting your story...it will make a difference for others...I myself am pregnant and if it wasn't for your story...I would of never known...Elijah and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...and he is absolutely adorable...and he couldn't have asked for better parents...

[myonlysunshyne]

Your son is just beautiful. BTW, I received an email which mentioned a fundraising effort. Please post something like a picture of the bracelets. I would like to get one to support your effort, and I would like to have a picture to circulate through my place of employment to encourage support.

[frogsense]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[spitzka29]

I'm sitting here just bawling. My daughter was born in November 2004, too and I just can't imagine....this is so sad, and it was totally preventable. I certainly hope you pursued legal action against that pet store. Your poor little boy. Absolutely tragic.

[gomezkathryn]

I have posted this URL in the Craigslist in Fort Myers, Keys and Daytona... Please help post in your citys. They will not allow more than 3 listings at a time. Let everyone know about this. I am so sorry wat a beautiful child but Thank the lord everyday he is here with you. GOD BLESS YOU.

[strawbry251]

thanks so much

hugs and kisses

mere :) elijah's mommy

[strawbry251]

continued elijah's mom again-sorry last thing-

please get the link on the WBAL report and watch it

click on the lizard picture- recommends that the above individuals stay away from reptiles since the bacteria can live on surfaces up to 90 days

[AXELGSD]

I am so sorry that you are going through this.Your son is so adorable....I wish you the best of luck to you. This is not your fault. Salmonella is a very deadly bacteria..and it is nothing to make light of. As for the person below who says if you would have kept the cage clean,he has NO clue. It does not matter how clean the cage is the salmonella is naturally occuring on FROGS, TURTLES and LIZARDS. The pet store should be accountable for not putting up warning signs.

[mikecoscia]

Strawbry251 thank's for posting that. AxelGSD re-read my second post. I am a biologist and have been breeding reptiles for over 17 years, hence my defense. I know exactly what I am talking about.

[strawbry251]

contin-from elijah mom

its simply for awareness and i feel i should have been warned at least -even purchased 2 uromastyx books &talked to my ob/gyn b4 purchasin this was not because we didn't do our homework or that im dirty or didn't keep the cage clean-that's my only point

[strawbry251]

that is why i put the link to the news story & 2 my myspace page because i couldn't put any more in the movie.i put exactly that pregnant women, infants and children under 5, immune deficient individuals and elderly.. I was never bashing lizards or reptile owners my daughter who is 12 loves them and never got sick and neither did my husband or myself.

[mikecoscia]

I am sorry but this is due to poor husbandry conditions. I f any animal (not just reptiles) is improperly cared for a dirty cage can be a breeding ground for bacteria. To a normal adult these encounters usually are not a problem but to an infant it can lead to situations like this in rare occasions. It's unfair to twist the information in such a way that the uneducated will make false assumptions. In truth you are more in danger from eating undercooked meat.

[strawbry251]

obviously you think that you are more intelligent then the health dept(who i may add looked at our house and the lizard cage which was cleaned DAILY) and also smarter the the johns hopkins infectious diseases team of PROFESSORS so I am not going to even waste my time with you

[mikecoscia]

I'm sorry for your situation I really am, but like I said the normal healthy adult/child has nothing to fear. Only infants and those with weak immune systems should not handle reptiles. However it's not just reptiles or salmonella as above individuals are more susceptible to all bacterial infections due to their immune system's state.

So if you do not fall into one of those categories, and you practice good husbandry, you have nothing to worry about.

[AXELGSD]

THIS is soooo untrue..are you trying to kill children with your unfounded remarks. A normal healthy child does have to fear salmonella...as it can live under their fingernails..if they inadvertantly wipe their mouth with the back of their hand...you can wash and wash and you might not get your hands totally clean.

[AXELGSD]

No its not. Salmonella is a naturally occuring issue with Retiles..not just lizards..but Turtles also. Doesn't matter how clean the Aquarium is...You are obviously uneducated in the matter.

[cocoachick78]

I heard there were some people posting rude/nasty comments on this video insinuating the parents are at fault for what happend because they are unclean. I came to see what idiots would dare post such hurtful things to a family going through so much. I urge you to watch what you say because you don't have the facts. Before you come here and talk about what you know nothing of, put yourself in their shoes and offer words of encouragement instead of negativity.

[robwen1216]

I'm posting this comment on behalf of someone else--they posted it on cafemom: Hi I am so sorry for what you have had to live I myself have two special need boys they suffer from autism.They do not talk the little one trys but we don't understand him.You are so brave to talk about your hardship.Our boys are blessing who brighten our days you stay blessed thank you. bye monique

[tyonts18]

im so sorry for what you have to go through! I had never heard this before, i am also on cafemom and someone posted this, so your story IS and WILL be passed around! Thank you so much for sharing your story i will pass it around to as many people as possible! Thank you for letting me know

[robwen1216]

I'm so sorry. :-( I had a lizard when I was a kid, but it was never around an infant. I don't remember there being any warnings. I want you to know that I found your video through a link posted on CafeMom--so the word is being spread. Best of luck to you and your family.

[AutumnBrooke]

Wow, way to sock it to her. I'm sure she feels MUCH better now. Sure it may be extremely rare, but the fact is it DID happen to her son.

[blinkey5]

I just wanted you to know that I have posted your story as a bulletin on myspace, as well as putting it in my profile. I have pinned it up on my meetup group message board, as well as sent it out to everyone as an email. I am so sorry you have all had to go through this. Thank you so much for sharing such important information!!!!!!!

[strawbry251]

thanks so much for your support.. i appreciate you forwarding the information.. i want it to go to as many as possible XOXO

[momm3cooper]

I'm SO sorry!! BUT Thank you for your story. My oldest son (8yrs) has been bugging for a lizard for years. I had planned on getting him one for his birthday but I have a 1yr old in the house and plan to have another baby in 1 1/2 years!! So thank you so much for sharing your story!! I will not purchase a lizard now!! God bless you and I'll keep Elijah in my prayers!

[alexandsambugdavid]

Jay is a great guy with a wonderful family. this is so awful that this has happened to his son and his family. Elijah is always in my prayers. This is a great video and I will pass it on.

[summertimefairy1973]

Bless his heart! and thanks for this info! Ill help spread the word!

[tnjeffbfan]

I am so so sorry for what you and Elijah have been through. He is an angel.

[alienclay]

I am crying right now. I am so sorry about what happened. Elijah and his family are in my prayers. Thank you for the information. I have a son of my own and I don't know what I'd do if anything bad ever happened to him. God bless you and watch over you.

[GJKickboxer]

Elijah is so precious. You are wonderful parents. Thank you for your warnings. I will hug my kids a little tighter...

[spiritnip]

how sad for your adorable family...

thank you for sharing your story about your beautiful little man...god bless and watch over you all...

[runningpuma85]

You have a beautiful family and incredible strength. I would be lying if I said I didn't cry. I wish you all the best. Stay strong, because he is wonderful little child.

[nicholessoldier]

WOW I am sorry that you have to go thru this mess . I hope you SUE the shit out of that pet store . Your family is in my prayers.

[squishyevelyn]

thankyou for letting me know about this im passing it on to everyone - i myself am pregnant and was consireding getting a lizard - makes me mad that no one tells anyone about this kind of thing thankyou so much

[sugahooker]

=[ such a beautiful baby