Bentley Welch is a fighter.
Although he was born with tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, he still manages to be a normal child who loves free computer time at Belgreen School and playing with his friends.
Tracheoesophageal fistula occurs when the upper part of the esophagus does not connect with the lower part of the esophagus and stomach. Esophageal atresia is an abnormal connection between the upper part of the esophagus and the trachea or windpipe.
After birth, Bentley was immediately rushed to Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. He was given a feeding tube due to his inability to feed normally. His feeding tube was removed at age three.
Bentley is now nine years old, and there is no stress-free day in the Welch household. He is currently homebound until around August, which means he needs 24-hour care seven days a week. This would be difficult for any family, but it is even more of a challenge for Bentley’s parents Bobby and Beverly, because both of their parents are deceased and they are both only children.
Bentley has to eat slowly and carefully, taking only small bites of food. He must sit up straight while eating or the food will not go down properly. It may take him an hour-and-a-half to finish a meal, while it may take another child only thirty minutes. He does not have the sensation of peristalsis, so he has to rely on gravity to help him out.
Another challenge that the Welches face is the threat of inescapable germs.
“We learn about this condition along with Bentley,” Beverly said. “We have to be conscientious of everything, watching where hands go and what they touch.”
The Welches must try to avoid sick environments as much as possible in order to prevent the formation of infections or from his existing infections from getting worse.
“Sometimes the doctor will see us on his lunch break or after hours to keep Bentley from being exposed to more germs,” Beverly said.
When they visited the hospital for a simple check-up in December, the Welches were informed that Bentley’s left lung was severely infected. The doctor put him on antibiotics, but his infection only worsened. Bentley will have his left lung removed at the end of February or the beginning of March. The Welches expect to stay in the hospital for at least a month if not longer, depending on how quickly his body adjusts to the surgery.
Bentley now has more frequent check-ups in order to keep check on the existing infection and prevent the infection from moving to his right lung. He has been on a series of antibiotics for the past month, and his parents expect that to continue.
More frequent visits add yet another cost to the everyday bills that a family must pay. Neither Beverly nor Bobby’s car is reliable enough to make the trip to Birmingham; therefore they must rent a vehicle capable of making the trip.
A benevolent account has been set up at Bank Independent for Bentley Welch in order to pay for any expenses the family has to take care of.
“I feel like this account that has been set up to help us is a good thing, because before people did not know where we were or how to get in touch with us,” Bobby said. “Now it’s easier if people want to help.”
Beverly would like to thank her Pilgrim’s family for their thoughts and prayers. She enjoys going into work and hearing people say they are praying for her family. It lifts her spirits to know that people really care.
“We appreciate all the help and prayers we have received so far,” Beverly said.
If you would like to help the Welch family, donations are accepted at Bank Independent.
