Thanks for helping Elijah

I recently received a letter to the editor signed Elijah Doherty. Since he was just born Nov. 28, 2006, his grandma, Deb Morter-Womelsdorf, wrote the letter for him. It's a thank-you letter to everyone who helped with and turned out for a recent benefit dinner or donated funds for his medical expenses.

You see, Elijah was born with one side of his heart underdeveloped, making the other side work twice as hard. He's had to have surgery to install a shunt and, now that he's growing, he needs a larger shunt, Deb said.

Here's the letter:

Dear editor,

Please allow me to say "thank you" to Fort Scott and anonymous donors. Amy Doherty, Staci Clements from Great West Insurance, who worked tirelessly, organizing and cooking. Former mayor Ken Lunt, who was instrumental with the Chamber of Commerce in getting the word out to KMDO, The Tribune, local and private businesses, Marilyn Maye and friends at the Liberty Theatre, Jim Scott, 3rd Street Auction, Christian Motorcycle Clubs cycle formation, donations and prayer. Carla Bryant Farmer, Mercy Hospital, McDonald's. The community outpouring, well...words will never be enough.

You have done so much for me lately. I do not know where to start. So let me say, "You're special and thank you with love from all my heart."

Elijah Doherty

Deb said Woods Super Market, Gene's Heartland Foods, and Rennett Studio Photography should be included in that list, too. I'm sure there are others, as well.

The letter was tucked inside a card with Elijah's tiny footprint stamped on it. The image of that baby boy's little foot and toes really touched me, as I'm sure it did everyone who received a similar card.

Deb later stopped by the Tribune office and showed us photographs of those who pitched in to help with preparing the benefit dinner for Elijah and a poster created as a donation. She said she is so thankful for the way people in this community have rallied around Elijah, giving their prayers and support for his healing.

"I'm amazed at everything everybody did," she said during our conversation on Tuesday. "It was wonderful -- it helped so much."

She told me his next surgery will be June 19, when the doctors will install his new shunt.

I know there will be many more prayers for young Elijah and his parents, Shane and Chrystalleah Doherty, as he undergoes surgery and further medical treatment.

Elijah, we're all looking forward to seeing you grow up strong healthy. Someday, we want to see you make that walk across the stage in cap and gown to pick up your high school diploma. Like your parents and grandparents, we want you to have all the love and good things this world has to offer.

Robin Hixson

Managing Editor