Ezekiel: No Longer Tethered

September 8, 2020

Tethered to Hardship

Ezekiel is nine years old. He lives in Tennessee with his parents, Dana and Jill, and one sibling. “He’s very bright and outgoing,” said his mother, Jill. However, Ezekiel also lives with a tethered spinal cord. “It leads to pain,” said Jill, “and he needs painful procedures.”

Things were about to go even further downhill. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Ezekiel’s family, causing his parents to lose their jobs. “We have numerous medical bills,” said Jill. Without steady income, there was no way to pay those bills.

From Desperation...

There was a specialist neurosurgeon who could bring Ezekiel’s tethered spinal cord back to normal. The operation involved unbinding the nerves at the end of his spine. This would cure the pain he suffered from every day. Ezekiel had a chance to dramatically increase his quality of life.

However, there was just one problem: the specialist was in Rhode Island. Ezekiel and his family would have to drive 13 hours and more than 1,000 miles – and that was just one way. The long car ride would only cause Ezekiel more pain. A long-distance, round-trip flight wasn’t an option, as it was too costly. It seemed all hope was lost.

...To His Destination

When hope runs out, that’s when Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilot program flies to the rescue. Ezekiel and his parents flew to the hospital in Rhode Island – at no cost.

Ezekiel received the surgery he needed, and it was successful. Then, the volunteer pilots flew him and his parents back home.

No Longer Tethered

Next year, Ezekiel will celebrate his birthday. This birthday will be different from previous years, as he will be able to enjoy the day without pain from a tethered spinal cord. He has a bright future ahead of him, and his hopeful smile says it all.

When children like Ezekiel suffer from pain and despair, Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilot program gives them healing and hope.