Family reflects on journey of 2 children with physical disabilities

(Jen Jacobson/KSL)


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WEST JORDAN — For years, Brynn and Jeff Homer struggled to have kids.

In time, the couple would learn the struggles wouldn’t end after conception.

After eventually getting pregnant and giving birth to a healthy baby girl, Brynn gave birth to a son named Alex.

Alex was born with half a heart.

“Alex needed a three-stage palliative surgery,” said Brynn. “He had first open heart surgery at four days old. It didn’t go very good, so he had to have another open-heart surgery at nine days old.”

Alex Homer was born with half a heart. Finally at age 7, he received a heart transplant. (Photo: Brynn Homer)
Alex Homer was born with half a heart. Finally at age 7, he received a heart transplant. (Photo: Brynn Homer)

After a successful palliative surgery at 10 months old, Alex was able to go on what the Homers called a “heart honeymoon,” a time period in which Alex did not have to stay in the hospital.

But as time went on, Alex’s heart was fading. Alex needed a heart transplant to survive.

“Before my transplant, I felt like I had hardly any energy,” said Alex. “My friends were always wanting to jump and play. I’d play for at least 20 minutes but I’d say ‘can I have a break for a minute?’ ”

In January 2015, Alex received a heart transplant. However, that is not the end of the road for Alex. Brynn says there’s a common misconception that a heart transplant lasts a lifetime. Many children will require a retransplantation sometime in their life, most often due to coronary artery disease, according to Texas Children's Hospital.

“Heart transplants are phenomenal and they give you a second chance at life,” said Brynn. “But the hard part about them is that they only last about five to 10 years.”

The Homers call Alex’s chest "the zipper" because it has been opened so many times.

With hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Alex has sustained four open heart surgeries and one transplant thus far.

However, Alex isn’t their only child with physical challenges.

“I think Alex prepared us with another medical issue,” said Brynn.

After having another healthy baby girl named Eden, the Homers welcomed a daughter named MayLee.

MayLee was born with a rare respiratory disorder called neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy.

“NEHI is extremely rare,” said Brynn. “Their alveoli in their lungs make an extra thickness so they don’t perfuse oxygen well, which means her brain wouldn’t get oxygen.”

Two out of four Homer siblings face physical challenges on a daily basis. (Photo: Brynn Homer)
Two out of four Homer siblings face physical challenges on a daily basis. (Photo: Brynn Homer)

At one point in time, two of the four Homer children had oxygen tanks hooked up to them, wherever they went.

“I think (my children) have (these challenges) because they’re meant to teach others. Maybe it’s to teach their dad,” said Jeff.

Despite their challenges, the Homers choose to stay optimistic. Brynn also blogs about her children’s lives, including both the bad and the good times.

“It’s hard and it’s challenging but these kids have a way of touching other people,” said Jeff. “Alex has touched thousands of people, maybe more than that. If we wouldn’t have given him that chance, that life, he may have not been able to help other people and affect other people’s lives because of it.”

The Homers also have another baby on the way. Brynn says she’s thankful her challenges are her own.

“I think if we all through our challenges in a basket I’d probably pull mine back out again," said Brynn. "Everyone has their own challenges and we just need to be patient and loving towards each other no matter what.”

Despite the challenges, Alex is looking forward to being baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints later this year.

“Before Alex’s transplant, Alex had a pick line in his arm that he couldn’t submerse in water,” said Jeff. “A full year before his transplant he couldn’t even take a bath.”

Doctors asked Brynn and Jeff to keep Alex secluded for six months. Alex has to stay home until July.

MayLee (left) pictured with sister, Eden (right). MayLee was born with a respiratory issue that requires her to breath from a tube all day and all night. (Photo: Brynn Homer)
MayLee (left) pictured with sister, Eden (right). MayLee was born with a respiratory issue that requires her to breath from a tube all day and all night. (Photo: Brynn Homer)

“We’ve kept him out of stores, church and schools to give him the best chance to stay healthy for the six months after transplant,” said Jeff.

Although Alex turned 8 years old on April 21, he’ll have to wait until August to be baptized because of his recent transplant.

“I’m really excited to be 8 because I get to be baptized. I’m waiting to see what it feels like,” said Alex.

“We’re a big family. We believe in faith and miracles. We’ve seen people all over the world pray for them,” said Jeff. “I believe that’s their biggest purpose … it’s to have faith and hope and to long for something greater. In my mind, that’s (Alex and MayLee’s) purpose here.”

To follow Alex and MayLee’s journey, visit the Homers' blog at www.joinedbyourhearts.blogspot.com

Email: jjacobson@ksl.com Web: Jen-Jacobson.com

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