Child born with club feet a source of inspiration to parents

When 6-year-old Parker Elfrink was born, his parents realized at once there was something not quite right with the lower half of their son's body.

"He was born with two club feet. It was noticeable immediately. Both of his feet were completely inwards," Tara Elfrink said.

The Jackson boy first underwent surgery to help correct his club feet when he was 4 weeks old. Tara said that following the surgery he was in a body cast from his waist to his toes.

The procedures and the club feet delayed his walking. Tara said it seemed like as soon as he learned to walk, he would have another surgery and would need to relearn to walk.

For the next few years, Tara and husband Brad took their son to podiatrists and surgeons to help correct his club feet. It was during that time they learned Parker was dealing with another medical issue.

"He was born with a spinal lipoma, and he was diagnosed with that when he was 3 1/2 years old," Tara said.

A spinal lipoma is a mass attached to the spinal cord. Parker's is on the lower right side. Tara said lipomas often affect the brain, but all of Parker's tests have indicated normal brain function.

Since his birth, Parker has undergone eight surgeries. The most recent procedure, bilateral club foot surgery, took place at the end of last year in Chicago.

Tara said the results are promising, but more procedures may be needed.

"His feet are much straighter," Tara said. "There was progress. More surgery is always a possibility."

Like most children, Parker is apprehensive at the thought of going to doctors and hospitals, but it is part of his life.

"He gets scared before surgery, but he handles it better than most kids," Tara said.

Brad said his son continues to provide motivation to him and others.

"He is an inspiration to us. The little things we go through seem minute compared to everything he goes through. His attitude is an inspiration," Brad said.

Diana Schreiner, Parker's first-grade teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson, said he is a great addition to her class.

"He has a very positive attitude," she said. "Everybody is very accepting on the playground and in the classroom. He works hard. He blends right in with the rest of our class."

Parker has two sisters, 10-year-old Kayla and 4-year-old Paige. His siblings are active in sports, but Parker understands he has to wait his turn.

"He knows his limitations. He doesn't get frustrated," Tara said. She said they plan on starting him in baseball and swimming soon.

As parents of two other children, Tara and Brad are especially grateful to friends and family for helping during Parker's surgeries and recoveries.

"We are thankful to our school and teachers, our parents, friends and family. They all helped," Tara said. She also thanked Dr. Jeff Appleman, who oversaw Parker's post operation recovery.