FAILURE TO THRIVE BABY NOW THRIVING
FOR SUCCESS

He Made It From Cradle To College

Scottsdale, AZ, June 28, 2009. Dr. Susan Skidmore, Member of the Governing Board for the Paradise Valley School District addressed the seven hundred plus graduates of Horizon High School. Close to the end of her speech she said “I would be amiss if I did not acknowledge this graduate, Elliot Jack Richards, please stand.”

The crowd cheered. “Mr. Richards, you are an inspiration to us all!” The stadium filled with friends and families of the graduates stood and applauded for this remarkable young man.

What is it about 19 year old, Elliot Richards that inspires us? It is his determination in the midst of obstacles.
It is his passion to participate. And it is his love for life and people. You see, nobody told Elliot he had a syndrome or that he was different.

At birth, Elliot was, failure to thrive, and at six months finally diagnosed with Kabuki Makeup Syndrome, a
genetic mutation that carries with it multiple anomalies. The initial, apparent deformities were cleft palate,
hypotonia (often called floppy babies), underdeveloped hips, connective tissue disorder, some retardation
and lack of involuntary reflexes such as not being able to initiate a swallow.

Elliot was fed with a gastrostomy tube directly into the stomach until the age of three, did not walk until he
was four and his fine motor skills have prevented him from learning to tie his shoes, button his shirts and
write in cursive.

Through the years underdeveloped organs and functions were discovered and required surgeries to correct.

Although he has had several constructive operations on his hips, he still walks with a limp. This year
he faces several more surgical procedures; one on his jaw followed by dental implants. To date, Elliot has
had over 19 surgeries.

With no prognosis, The Richards family foresaw a future filled with medical intervention and therapy to
help his little body grow. It was unsure what Elliot’s life would be like and what he would be able to accomplish.
But Elliot didn’t know that. He saw his limitations and medical procedures as detours and minor setbacks.
His family, friends, educators and therapists have cheered him on along the journey. But it is Elliot’s refusal to fail and fortitude to thrive that touches lives and gave him success.

Elliot’s life has inspired others to see life in a new perspective. He participates and involves himself in activities,

social events and extra-curricular programs outside of the resources offered to special needs students.
It is because he doesn’t see himself any different.
In the Fall, Elliot plans to attend the Special Services Program at Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell.
There he will learn life skills, an occupation and enter the next phase of independent living