A few weeks ago, we told you the story of little Eivin Andrew Grandgeorge, son of Leighia Mckenzie, who was diagnosed with a rare birth defect, Esophageal Atresia (EA). He was born missing part of his esophagus, leaving him unable to swallow. This defect can be life-threatening in its most severe forms, and it could also cause long-term nutritional concerns. Leighia knew of her son’s condition before he was born and started researching the best options for him.
Leighia gave birth to Eivin on April 27, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. After a month, Eivin was transferred to Steads Family Children Hospital in Iowa City since they have more experience treating babies with EA. But Leighia’s ultimate goal since her son was born has been to get him to Boston Children's Hospital where they offer the Foker Process. Unfortunately, insurance denied her request for transfer…until now. Baby Eivin is headed to the east coast for a life-changing surgery that encourages natural growth and lengthening of a child's existing esophagus, with the end result being an intact esophagus and his chance at a “normal” life.
“We finally got approved for transfer on August 1,” said Leighia. “ I'm unsure about the date for surgery as I'm assuming they will want to run their own tests first and make an assessment of him when we get there.”
So what made the insurance company change their mind and allow Eivin to be transported? From Leighia’s understanding, his single-case exemption was approved due to Dori Gallagher in Boston and her help in fighting the insurance company to get him there.
“I'm sure the letter to the governor helped also,” she said about the letter she penned to Governor Kim Reynolds.
Leighia said the details of the trip are still being worked out, like exactly how Eivin will get to Boston and whether or not she will get to go with him or find her own mode of transportation. What is certain is the fact that the both of them will be staying in Boston after the surgery for three to five months. Although insurance will cover a lot of the medical costs, there are still expenses involved with hotels, food, travel, etc. That is why friends and family have done whatever they can to help, like setting up a lemonade stand as well as setting up an account to help Eivin on his journey to greater health.
“I really am so appreciative of everyone who has donated and shown support whether it be kind words or the gift of money! It truly means the world to us to have all the support of our little town,” said Leighia. “ I'm so glad I never gave up trying to get him to Boston and never stopped advocating for him because we would have never made it! But I'm so proud to say that we did make it and hopefully we will be home before Thanksgiving!”
If you would like to help Eivin in his journey of health, contributions can be sent to PayPal.me/BostonBoundBaby Checks can be made to “Eivin Grandgeorge” and cash will be collected by Bob Madson at Dona Martha’s Office located at 314 West Broadway in Eagle Grove.
Be sure to keep your eye on the Eagle newspaper for baby Eivin’s progress.
